Federal Judge Marcelo Bailaque Implicated in Narcotics and Corruption Case in Rosario
Federal Judge Marcelo Bailaque Impeached in Rosario
Federal Judge Marcelo Bailaque from Rosario faces serious allegations after a raid by Gendarmería resulted in the seizure of his mobile phone last week. Bailaque was charged during a six-hour hearing in federal courts, where prosecutors outlined several accusations against him.
Prosecutors claim that Bailaque engaged in delay tactics that benefitted drug lord Esteban Alvarado and his ex-wife Rosa Natalí Capuano. They allege that he improperly handled activities related to a port worker cooperative designed to favor a financier friend. He also reportedly failed to act properly in cases involving an entrepreneur accused of laundering and tax evasion, who Bailaque later ruled as not guilty after a quick review.
The hearing, led by Judge Eduardo Rodríguez Da Cruz, began at 11:41 AM and closed at 5 PM. The situation is particularly notable as it is rare for a federal judge to be accused so publicly. A strong police presence restricted media access during the hearing to prevent recordings or reactions from Bailaque.
Prosecutors Juan Argibay Molina, Matías Scilabra, and Federico Reynares Solari spearheaded the accusations, receiving remote support from key officials in the Federal Public Ministry. The charges stem from Bailaque’s previous position as the head of the Fourth Instruction Court in Rosario before becoming a Judge of Guarantees in May of this year with the introduction of new procedural codes.
Before addressing Bailaque’s actions, the prosecutors brought charges against accountants Gabriel Mizzau and Eduardo Semino for their involvement in Alvarado’s financial operations. They stated that both accountants facilitated reports and registration paperwork for firms tied to Alvarado’s drug trafficking ring.
The allegations point to serious conflicts of interest for Bailaque, including failing to disqualify himself from a narcotics case involving Alvarado, which had been pending in his court since 2013. Prosecutors noted that he delayed key phone taps and utilized Mizzau, who managed Alvarado’s finances, as his own personal accountant.
Compounding these issues are personal connections. Bailaque’s alleged friendship with financier Fernando Whpei has raised concerns about the appropriateness of his judicial decisions. Prosecutors requested access to Bailaque’s phone records and other documents to investigate his communications and financial disclosures.
The accusations continued as prosecutors detailed a second case involving a judicial mishandling related to a cooperative of port workers. Allegedly, Bailaque authorized the transfer of funds to a mutual fund linked to Whpei, further complicating his position and decision-making.
The third case brought by Argibay Molina involved an anonymous tip concerning two men suspected of tax evasion. The speed of Bailaque’s actions regarding this tip has raised eyebrows among investigators.
In summary, Judge Marcelo Bailaque faces multiple serious accusations related to his conduct on the bench. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking further evidence to determine the full extent of misconduct.