Russian Diplomats Create Storm in Buenos Aires: Refusing Alcoholemia Tests
A tense situation unfolded this morning in Buenos Aires as two Russian diplomats, Sergei Baldin and Timur Salomatin Cardmath, refused to undergo alcohol tests in separate incidents within minutes of each other.
Sergei Baldin’s Standoff
Sergei Baldin, a 38-year-old Russian diplomat, caused a stir when he refused to take an alcohol test, forcing authorities to intervene. Baldin, who formerly served as Russia’s commercial representative in Cuba and has ties to cultural activities in his home country, is registered with an Argentine CDI (Clave de Identificación) and works at the Russian Embassy.
Baldin locked himself in a Volkswagen Vento with diplomatic plates for nearly an hour, declining to cooperate with city traffic agents. The vehicle, with the license plate "D094CSB," is part of the embassy’s fleet. Eventually, Baldin lowered his window briefly to converse with the agents and representatives of the Russian Embassy before being escorted back to the embassy around 11:50 AM.
Timur Salomatin Cardmath’s Involvement
Later in the day, another diplomatic incident occurred when Timur Salomatin Cardmath, codirector of the Casa de Rusia in Buenos Aires, refused an alcohol test in a Toyota Corolla (license plate "D014CSI"). Salomatin Cardmath, who was previously investigated by U.S. authorities and the FBI for fraud, initially refused to take the test and then spent over an hour on the phone before eventually entering the embassy around 1:16 PM.
Diplomatic Immunity and the Vienna Convention
While the diplomats invoked their diplomatic immunity, the articles 4 and 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations state that diplomats must respect the host country’s laws and regulations. Both Baldin and Salomatin Cardmath were required to comply with the alcohol test.
The Russian Embassy released a statement, arguing that diplomatic vehicles cannot be detained or inspected, and that the incidents constituted a violation of international law. However, Argentine authorities maintained that the diplomats’ actions had breached local regulations.
The series of events have led to ongoing investigations through federal channels, with both diplomats eventually returning to the embassy under escort. This story continues to unfold, with implications for diplomatic relations between Argentina and Russia.
