In a move aimed at promoting accountability and combating global corruption, the United States has designated former President of Argentina Cristina Elisabet Fernandez de Kirchner and former Minister of Planning Julio Miguel De Vido for their involvement in significant corruption schemes during their time in public office.
According to the Department of State, CFK and De Vido abused their positions by orchestrating and financially benefiting from multiple bribery schemes involving public works contracts. These schemes resulted in millions of dollars being stolen from the Argentine government, undermining confidence in the country's future.
Both individuals have been convicted of corruption in multiple courts. The designations made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio render CFK, De Vido, and their immediate family members generally ineligible for entry into the United States.
"This action reaffirms our commitment to counter global corruption, including at the highest levels of government," said a spokesperson for the Department of State. "We will continue to promote accountability for those who abuse public power for personal gain."
The designations are made under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024, which requires the Secretary of State to publicly or privately designate foreign officials and their immediate family members about whom they have credible information of involvement in significant corruption or a gross violation of human rights.
The move is part of the US's broader efforts to combat global corruption and promote transparency. The designations are expected to have a deterrent effect on individuals who would otherwise attempt to exploit public power for personal gain.
The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs will provide further information on this matter as it becomes available.