Contractor testimony fuels illicit enrichment case against Adorni

A contractor told prosecutors on Monday that he was paid US$245,000 in cash to refurbish a property owned by Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni’s family, testimony that deepens the illicit enrichment probe into the senior official.

Local media reported Monday that architect Matías Tabar – who oversaw refurbishment works at the home in the Indio Cuá private gated community in Exaltación de la Cruz, Buenos Aires Province – testified for around three hours on Monday as a witness. During his testimony, he confirmed he was paid US$245,000 in cash for the project.

According to judicial sources, Tabar, a partner at Alta Arquitectura, said he issued no invoices and that the works ran from September 2024 to July 2025. During that period, the swimming pool and galleries were remodelled, furniture was replaced and a waterfall was installed within the property.

The house was formally purchased by Adorni’s wife, Bettina Angeletti, in November 2024, reported local media.

The case against Adorni has intensified in recent days, driven by allegations of unexplained wealth tied to high-value property purchases and renovations, as well as claims he may have interfered with witnesses. 

Prosecutors are examining whether spending on his homes – including acquisitions and works reportedly paid for in cash – is consistent with his declared income. Separate accusations of attempted obstruction have added urgency to the investigation.

Arrest request

Opposition lawmaker Marcela Marina Pagano on Monday asked a federal judge to order the immediate arrest of the Cabinet chief, alleging he sought to obstruct an ongoing investigation.

In her filing, Pagano warned of a “serious, current and imminent” risk of interference, pointing to actions she said took place on May 4, 2026.

She alleged that Adorni contacted Tabar shortly before his sworn testimony, offering “help” and access to his “team,” and that there were attempts to delete WhatsApp messages exchanged with a contractor.

To support her request for pre-trial detention, Pagano invoked by analogy the so-called “Irurzun doctrine.” This jurisprudence, established by Chamber II of the Federal Criminal Appeals Court, allows courts to consider whether a serving official’s power networks could be used to obstruct justice.

The filing specifically cites Judge Martín Irurzun’s 2017 ruling in the case against ex-federal planning minister Julio Miguel De Vido, arguing that there is a risk the accused could use his position to interfere in proceedings.

Tabar’s testimony

Tabar confirmed in court that he received US$245,000 in cash US currency to carry out refurbishment works on Adorni’s home. He had been summoned to testify before federal prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita as part of the investigation.

He said the project included new floors, wall works, a swimming pool and a garden waterfall, among other upgrades. A luxury barbecue valued at around US$15,000 was among the most notable items, with the overall bill far exceeding the roughly US$120,000 Adorni is said to have paid for the property.

During his appearance at the Comodoro Py courts, the contractor submitted documentation to support his testimony and handed over his mobile phone for forensic analysis, allowing investigators to examine communications with both Adorni and Angeletti. 

The scale of the works and the sums involved have become central to the investigation, which is examining whether the official’s assets are consistent with his declared income.

On Wednesday, Leandro Miano is due to testify for the first time. He is the stepson of Claudia Sbabo, one of the pensioners who allegedly lent money to the Cabinet chief, and a business associate of Pablo Martín Feijoo, son of a second creditor and involved in arranging the purchase of an apartment acquired by Adorni in Caballito.

Miano is expected to submit his mobile phone, along with invoices and receipts linked to maintenance fees and refurbishment works on the Caballito property, in order to verify whether payments were made as declared.

– TIMES/NA