Testimonies in the Cuadernos de la Corrupción Trial
The ongoing trial, known as Cuadernos de la Corrupción (Notebooks of Corruption), resumed on June 16, 2026, with a new wave of testimonies concerning allegations against former President Cristina Kirchner and over 85 others, including former government officials and business leaders.
Air Force Commanders’ Testimonies
Several ex-commanders of the Argentine Air Force who comprised the crews of presidential airplanes Tango 01 and Tango 10 provided key testimonies. One claimed he once transported Daniel Muñoz, the deceased private secretary of former President Néstor Kirchner, who traveled with a 23-kilogram suitcase that he insisted on keeping with him in the cabin rather than checking it in.
A prior testimony from presidential pilot Sergio Velázquez echoed this, stating he had carried Muñoz with locked bags. Witnesses also recounted flights where they transported summaries of the press or newspapers, discussing the control over luggage carried by all passengers, including the Kirchners.
Questions on Luggage Control and Security Protocols
The trial later saw intense examinations regarding the protocols surrounding luggage on presidential flights. Ex-pilot Alejandro Paris noted that news summaries or other documents could have been transported in the airplanes, even when passenger transfers weren’t documented. He recalled that strict controls were generally established by the Security Police.
When asked about the vigilance on baggage, he noted that there were procedures but couldn’t provide specific recollections about the checks on luggage, especially on hand-carried items of the passengers.
Controversies Regarding Newspaper Transports
Before the court, defense attorneys raised objections when questions arose concerning the transportation of newspapers and press summaries during Kirchner’s presidency. They argued that those topics had already been investigated in a previous unsuccessful criminal case and were irrelevant to the current proceedings.
Prosecutor Fabiana León countered these objections, emphasizing the importance of uncovering the full truth. She asserted that the interruption of this process served only to obscure the facts that the court sought to clarify.
Allegations Regarding Excess Baggage
Retired military officer Domingo Zelaya testified about instances of irregularities. He expressed concern over baggage that did not undergo security scans. He noted that, on various occasions, he observed luggage being brought onboard that had not been screened.
Zelaya particularly highlighted the protocol requiring the military crew to be seated and inactive until the dignitaries disembarked, illustrating the elevated level of security around presidential travel.
Key Observations about Daniel Muñoz’s Solo Flight
Another significant testimony came from José Videla, a retired Air Force officer, who recalled a solo flight with Daniel Muñoz. He noted that Muñoz specifically refused to let his suitcase go in the cargo hold, opting to keep it beside him on the plane, which he and others found unusual.
Videla explained that upon landing, Muñoz exited through a side gate where vehicles were waiting, raising more questions about the lack of scrutiny on his luggage.
As the trial proceeds in Federal Oral Court 7, the testimonies are expected to deepen the investigation into suspected bribery associated with public contracting and other related crimes.