Prosecutors probe US$10,000 New York flights linked to Cabinet Chief Adorni

Prosecutors are examining the cost and funding of a US$10,000-return trip from New York taken by Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni and his wife, as part of a widening investigation into the official's travel and personal finances, according to court documents and local media reports.

The case stems from scrutiny of Adorni’s participation in the Argentina Week 2026 roadshow in New York, the investor-focused event led by President Javier Milei.

Controversially, Adorni's wife Bettina Angeletti travelled with the official delegation onboard the presidential aircraft. 

The couple then travelled back from New York separately.

Judicial sources say newly incorporated evidence shows that the couple flew back to Buenos Aires on March 14 on a Delta Air Lines flight from JFK to Ezeiza International Airport, with combined ticket costs exceeding US$10,000.

Adorni’s fare was listed at US$4,910.35, while Angeletti’s ticket cost US$5,154.55, according to documents reviewed by prosecutors.

The official travelled on a ticket issued on February 24, 2026 and did not check any luggage, while Angeletti’s ticket was issued on February 25, 2026 and included two checked bags.

Neither flew in economy class: Adorni was seated in 1G and his wife in 1C.

The booking for Adorni’s ticket appears linked to a government travel system and marked as an “official mission,” raising questions over whether public funds were used, the reports said.

Prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita is investigating a broader set of trips attributed to Adorni – between 15 and 19 flights – to determine which were official and which were private, and whether his declared income is sufficient to cover the associated costs.

The probe also forms part of a wider inquiry into the official’s assets and potential illicit enrichment, opened following a complaint by lawmaker Marcela Pagano, who alleged inconsistencies in his financial disclosures.

Adorni, a close ally of Milei who became Cabinet Chief in late 2025 after serving as presidential spokesperson, has denied wrongdoing. He has said his wife travelled as a guest of the Presidency and that her participation did not generate expenses for the state.

The issue has sparked political controversy in Argentina, where ethics rules prohibit officials from using state resources for personal or family benefit.

Separately, the courts are considering requests to lift banking and tax secrecy on Adorni and his wife, as investigators seek access to detailed financial records, including bank accounts, loans and spending patterns.

Judge Ariel Lijo is expected to rule on those requests in the coming weeks.

– TIMES/NA