Chilean Supreme Court Scandal Deepens: Lawyers Arrested in Bribery Probe
Santiago, Chile – October 25, 2024 – A corruption scandal rocking Chile’s highest court has taken a dramatic turn with the arrest of three prominent lawyers closely associated with former Supreme Court Justice Angela Vivanco. The arrests, announced late Tuesday, are part of an escalating investigation into alleged influence peddling, bribery, and money laundering connected to a controversial case involving the Belarusian firm Belaz Movitec (CBM) and the state-owned copper giant, Codelco. This is a developing story, and Archyde is committed to bringing you the latest updates as they unfold. This breaking news has significant implications for the integrity of Chile’s judicial system and is being closely watched by international observers.
The Arrests and Allegations
Gonzalo Migueles, Angela Vivanco’s partner, along with Mario Vargas and Eduardo Lagos, were taken into custody following raids on their homes in Santiago. Prosecutors are focusing on potential irregularities surrounding rulings in favor of CBM during 2024, while Vivanco served on the constitutional chamber of the Supreme Court. Vargas, a well-known criminal lawyer with ties to both Vivanco and previously implicated Luis Hermosilla, is a central figure in the investigation. The allegations center around whether the lawyers used their influence to secure favorable outcomes for CBM in its dispute with Codelco.
The CBM-Codelco Dispute: A Timeline
The case originated in September 2024, when The Counter first reported on the unusual series of rulings in CBM’s favor. Codelco had accused CBM of breaching a contract to remove debris and construct buildings at the El Salvador Division in the Atacama Region, failing to meet agreed-upon deadlines and raising safety concerns following a worker’s death. Initially, Codelco won a judgment in the Court of Appeals of Copiapó, securing approximately $18 million in guarantees. However, this ruling was overturned by the Supreme Court, with Vivanco participating in the deliberations, ultimately requiring Codelco to return the funds to Belaz Movitec. The timing of these reversals, coinciding with Vivanco’s leadership of the constitutional chamber, raised immediate red flags.
The “Bielurrosa Edge” and WhatsApp Revelations
Vivanco’s dismissal from the Supreme Court in October 2023 was already marred by controversy, with colleagues citing “inappropriate participation” – a reference dubbed the “bielurrosa edge” by Chilean media. Further fueling suspicions were the discovery of WhatsApp messages between Vivanco and Luis Hermosilla, revealing attempts to influence judicial appointments and share confidential case information. These communications prompted Codelco to re-examine Vivanco’s actions and file a formal complaint. This case highlights the critical importance of judicial independence and the potential for corruption to undermine public trust.
Following the Money: A Complex Web of Transactions
The investigation has uncovered a complex network of financial transactions allegedly designed to funnel funds from Codelco to individuals connected to the case. Prosecutors are scrutinizing transfers totaling approximately $26,000 received by Migueles in June 2024 from a journalistic company linked to Yamil Najle, who was subsequently appointed a real estate conservator – a position with significant judicial oversight. Further investigation revealed that over $1 million paid by Codelco to CBM was deposited into Eduardo Lagos’ account, with approximately $47,000 allegedly wired to an exchange house and ultimately delivered in cash to Vivanco and Migueles. The money then reportedly moved through additional conservators and individuals, raising serious questions about the extent of the alleged scheme.
Vivanco’s Response and the Path Forward
Angela Vivanco has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, stating that any funds received by her partner are unrelated to her work or judicial decisions. She maintains a separate financial life from Migueles and asserts that he never interfered with her duties. However, prosecutors are pursuing a “chapter complaint” – a special legal action required to investigate crimes potentially committed while holding high office – which could lead to further scrutiny of Vivanco’s involvement. The case underscores the challenges of prosecuting high-ranking officials and the need for robust safeguards against corruption within the judiciary.
This unfolding scandal is a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the constant vigilance required to protect them. As the investigation progresses, Archyde will continue to provide comprehensive coverage, offering in-depth analysis and updates on this critical story. Stay tuned to Archyde.com for the latest developments and insightful reporting on global news and investigations.
