News of federico machado

Private jet firm used by Bolsonaro previously sparked scandal for Milei

Today 00:46 Bolsonaro flew on a Gulfstream operated by Baires Fly SA after crossing into Argentina; Firm's manager was accused by prosecutors last year of involvement in ANDIS graft scandal.

Corruption & the courts

José Luis Espert ordered to stand trial on money-laundering and graft charges

22-10-2026 19:08 Former national deputy is being investigated for having received US$200,000 from Federico ‘Fred’ Machado, a businessman detained in the United States for drug-trafficking.

POLITICS

Milei attacks press, defends Espert after Machado plea deal

18-05-2026 10:42 President Javier Milei launches another assault on the press, denouncing a “media operation” by “trash” journalists against former lawmaker José Luis Espert; Attack comes after ‘Fred’ Machado pleads guilty to money-laundering and fraud in bid to avoid drug-trafficking charges

EPSTEIN FILES & ARGENTINA

Epstein files show link to ‘Fred’ Machado

05-02-2026 16:28 Declassified documents indicate disgraced late financier Jeffrey Epstein negotiated aircraft purchases tied to Federico ‘Fred’ Machado.

POLITICS & THE COURTS

Alleged drug-trafficker Federico ‘Fred’ Machado set for extradition to US

04-11-2025 11:08 Businessman accused of drug-trafficking by US courts whose links to La Libertad Avanza legislative hopeful José Luis Espert forced the politician to step down his candidacy is due to be deported on Wednesday, according to reports.

POLITICS & CORRUPTION

Espert for President!

11-10-2025 06:00 José Luis Espert’s fall from grace was dramatic, portentous. In just a few weeks, he went from one of the pillars of Javier Milei’s government to a political outcast.

by Agustino Fontevecchia

ESPERT-MACHADO SCANDAL

US report on Machado funds poses uncomfortable questions for Bullrich

09-10-2025 01:05 US government report by Homeland Security indicates that Machado had already been linked to drug-trafficking and money-laundering in 2021.

POLITICS & CORRUPTION

Scandal-hit lawmaker Espert seeks leave of absence from lower house

08-10-2025 14:31 La Libertad Avanza national deputy, now facing money-laundering probe over links to suspected drug-trafficker and fraudster, requests leave of absence until December 8 – two days before his term in office ends.

POLITICS & CORRUPTION

Espert and Machado’s murky history

08-10-2025 12:27 How the government’s main candidate in Buenos Aires Province became tainted by campaign contributions of dubious origin.

by Rodis Recalt

POLITICS & COURTS

Argentina to extradite alleged drug-trafficker Machado to US

07-10-2025 22:01 Milei government confirms that it will heed Supreme Court ruling and implement extradition as part of its commitment to international cooperation against organised crime.

POLITICS & COURTS

Machado breaks silence, admits to funding Espert’s campaign

07-10-2025 16:26 Federico ‘Fred’ Machado, who faces charges of money-laundering and drug-trafficking in the United States, admits he financially contributed to La Libertad Avanza national deputy José Luis Espert’s 2019 presidential campaign.

POLITICS

Rebellion in Milei’s inner circle forced Espert’s exit

06-10-2025 17:34 Milei’s entourage was unanimous and left the President with no choice. Why he clung to his candidate until the last moment – and what “the Professor” knows.

by Franco Lindner

POLITICS & CORRUPTION

Espert's dirty financing

04-10-2025 06:45 On José Luis Espert’s ties with a suspected drug dealer and the libertarian obsession with coin.

by Agustino Fontevecchia

POLITICS

Cabinet discontent grows over Espert narco allegations

02-10-2025 16:30 President Javier Milei himself is the main defender of the congressional candidate – but dissatisfaction is growing over the lawmaker's disastrous television appearances.

POLITICS & CORRUPTION

Espert called to Casa Rosada as opposition demands resignation

02-10-2025 16:11 Calls ramp up for top name on the ruling La Libertad Avanza party’s list of candidates in the upcoming election to step side amid revelations over links to suspected narco-trafficker; Polling shows scandal may damage chances in midterms.

by James Grainger

PROFILE

Who is ‘Fred’ Machado, suspect linked to Espert scandal?

02-10-2025 13:52 Businessman under arrest and facing extradition to the United States is accused of heading a narco ring using aircraft to traffic tons of cocaine.

POLITICS & CORRUPTION

US court files show Espert received US$200,000 from alleged narco-trafficker

02-10-2025 13:36 Current national deputy and leading La Libertad Avanza candidate received a money order for US$200,000 in 2020, coming from a criminal organisation linked by Fred Machado, who is awaiting extradition to the United States.