San Juan Family Accuses Former La Rioja Deputy of Fraud

A former deputy and businessman from La Rioja, Mario Guzmán, has been accused of fraud by a family from San Juan following the collapse of a cargo transport partnership that resulted in severe financial losses and the loss of business assets.

The case, reported by Diario de Cuyo on May 2, 2026, centers on Emanuel Escudero, a transport professional with more than 10 years of experience, who entered into a business agreement with Guzmán and other associates. According to the complaint, the venture led to the loss of trucks, the accumulation of debts, and a grave personal crisis for the affected family.

The Partnership Agreement

The professional relationship began in July 2023 when Escudero decided to launch his own entrepreneurial venture. The connection to Mario Guzmán was established through Escudero’s uncle, Marcelo Garay, who is also identified in the complaint for his role in the conflict.

The proposed business structure was a partnership where Guzmán acted as the capitalist partner. Under the terms of the agreement, Guzmán was to provide the trucks, while Escudero was responsible for the logistics and operational management of the business. The distribution of profits was set at 60% for the businessman and 40% for the worker.

Based on the promises of the project, Escudero resigned from a stable employment position and invested his severance pay into the operation. He further alleged that the vehicles provided by Guzmán for the operation were in poor condition.

Financial Escalation and Loss

By June 2024, as the activity appeared to be generating results, Escudero and his family increased their financial exposure. In an effort to acquire a truck of their own, the family sold their personal vehicle to fund the purchase.

Despite these investments, the partnership deteriorated, leading to the loss of the trucks and leaving the family with significant debts. The complaint alleges that the agreement was a facade that ultimately stripped the family of their assets and savings.

Legal Proceedings

The matter is currently under investigation by the UFI Delitos Estafas (Fraud Crimes Unit). The legal action focuses on the conduct of Mario Guzmán and his associates, alleging that the transport project was used as a vehicle for a scam.