Financier Francisco Hauque has requested that Jésica Cirio testify in a federal extortion investigation linked to larger cases involving the SIRA import system and financial arbitrage. The filing seeks her testimony regarding the economic movements and emotional state of Elías Piccirillo during the events that led to Hauque’s January 2025 arrest.
Why has Francisco Hauque requested Jésica Cirio’s testimony?
According to court documents, Hauque wants the model to testify about “observed economic movements” and the emotional state of Elías Piccirillo at the time of the incident. His lawyer, Carlos Pousa, has also requested that the court identify domestic staff, drivers, and security personnel working at the Nordelta residence shared by Piccirillo and Cirio.
This request follows the release of videos showing Cirio with large sums of U.S. dollars at a residence she shared with former official Martín Insaurralde. Through a statement, Cirio claimed these videos were taken from her phone “without her consent” and suggested they may have been edited.
What led to the initial criminal investigation?
The extortion case stems from an incident on January 17, 2025, near Palacio Duhau. Hauque was arrested during that time with a weapon and more than 1 kilo of cocaine found inside his vehicle.
The judiciary determined that the operation was an ambush ordered by Elías Piccirillo through former federal police officer Carlos “El Lobo” Smith. Following the incident, Smith testified as a state witness, while Piccirillo was placed under house arrest.
How does this impact the broader financial investigations?
Hauque has offered to testify as a state witness in investigations involving “dólar blue” and the SIRA import system. He stated he possesses “direct knowledge” of mechanisms and operational elements that could be of “significant utility” to the proceedings.
In recent statements, Hauque pointed toward former officials close to Alberto Fernández, specifically naming former Central Bank head Miguel Ángel Pesce and three other officials. The investigation is examining potential collusion between exchange house financiers and the officials responsible for oversight.
What may happen next in the legal process?
The Federal Chamber is currently weighing a decision regarding the unification of two cases involving the “rulo financiero.” Judge Roberto Boico is expected to define whether these proceedings should be merged.
Furthermore, the videos involving Cirio are expected to be incorporated into the ongoing case in Lomas de Zamora. The outcome of these legal maneuvers could determine how the extortion charges and the broader financial irregularities are adjudicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the specific request made by Francisco Hauque’s legal team?
Hauque requested that Jésica Cirio testify regarding Piccirillo’s emotional state and economic movements, and he asked for the identification of staff at the Nordelta property.
How was the January 2025 arrest characterized by the courts?
The judiciary determined that the arrest of Hauque near Palacio Duhau was an ambush ordered by Elías Piccirillo using an ex-policeman named Carlos Smith.
What is the significance of the SIRA investigation?
The investigation examines a “parallel circuit” for import authorizations that allegedly allowed for returns of between 10% and 15% through intermediation with internal sources.
How will the potential unification of these legal cases change the direction of the investigation?
