President Javier Milei has removed Sergio Neiffert, the head of Argentina’s intelligence services, from his post and named Cristian Ezequiel Auguadra as the nation’s new “Señor No. 5.”
The announcement was made on Tuesday night in a statement from the Presidential Spokesperson’s Office, after a day marked by persistent rumours about Neiffert’s exit.
The new appointment comes just days after Milei's government announced a massive 26-billion-peso funding boost for the SIDE national intelligence services, which officials briefed was mostly to cover salaries at the state spy agency.
The change at SIDE comes against the backdrop of internal tensions within the governing coalition. But Neiffert – seen as an ally of presidential adviser Santiago Caputo – is to be replaced by yet another figure who is also close to the star spin doctor and member of Milei’s so-called “iron triangle”.
Auguadra, a figure with a low profile, joined Mileis’ government in July 2024. He previously served as Inspector General of the Internal Affairs Division (DAI), where he audited the management and resources of several government departments.
A graduate of the University of Morón, Auguadra says on LinkedIn website that he is experienced in areas including tax advice, legal consulting, and project management. He worked for more than 30 years for the Global Consultancy Services firm on tasks related to financial, legal and tax affairs.
Ironically, he retains the ‘Open to Work’ badge on his public profile on the LinkedIn website that indicates you are looking for new opportunities.
“The Intelligence Secretariat reports that, following the approval of the 2023–2024 Management Report by the Bicameral Commission for the Oversight of Intelligence Bodies and Activities of the National Congress, the first stage of the restructuring of the National Intelligence System has concluded,” read the government statement.
It noted that “this initial phase, led by Mr Sergio Neiffert, made it possible to organise internal processes, audit and bring transparency to the organisational structure, and optimise and update operational standards, laying the groundwork for a more efficient and professional agency.”
“With parliamentary backing for the progress achieved, SIDE is now entering a second stage of institutional transformation, which will be led by Mr Cristian Auguadra, a certified public accountant with extensive experience in auditing, risk management, institutional strengthening and public administration,” the communiqué reads.
It said Auguadra’s appointment “will deepen the agency’s technical and operational modernisation, strengthen oversight and strategic planning mechanisms, and drive progress towards an agile, integrated and modern intelligence model.”
“The aim of President Javier Milei’s administration is to equip Argentina with an intelligence service capable of meeting contemporary challenges and matching the leading role our country has regained in the world,” the statement continued.
“The Secretariat thus reaffirms its commitment to operational excellence, international cooperation, staff professionalisation and the defence of the Republic’s essential interests, advancing decisively in consolidating a regional leader in line with the highest international standards,” it concludes.
– TIMES/NA/PERFIL
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