Federal prosecutor Eduardo Taiano has intensified his probe into the controversial cryptocurrency $LIBRA, implementing a series of investigative measures aimed at uncovering potential fraud, bribery, and influence peddling. 

The case, which has drawn widespread attention, allegedly involves President Javier Milei and a group of businessmen accused of profiting approximately $110 million from the digital asset’s commercialization.

Digital Evidence and Transaction Analysis

In the latest phase of the investigation, Taiano has ordered the collection of crucial digital evidence, including transaction records and asset locations. 

According to a local media outlet, authorities are focused on tracking suspicious financial movements linked to $LIBRA, issuing international cooperation requests to obtain relevant data from foreign cryptocurrency exchanges and financial institutions.

A key priority in the investigation is securing digital evidence, including detailed transaction logs dating back to $LIBRA’s launch. Investigators aim to identify those who benefited from the alleged scheme. Efforts are also underway to retrieve deleted social media posts, including a tweet from President Milei on Feb. 14 that reportedly promoted the cryptocurrency.

Asset Freezing and International Collaboration

To prevent the potential dissipation of funds, Taiano has requested the freezing of specific cryptocurrency addresses linked to the investigation. This measure is intended to halt the transfer of allegedly illicitly acquired assets, ensuring that they remain traceable for forensic analysis.

Read more: $4.6B to $200M: How $LIBRA became the fastest crypto collapse

Additionally, authorities are preparing international legal requests to access financial transaction records from global cryptocurrency exchanges. These efforts seek to determine whether money laundering attempts were made through international platforms. Coordination with regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies outside Argentina is expected to play a crucial role in advancing the investigation.

Identifying Key Players and Summoning Witnesses

The prosecutor is also working to identify individuals directly responsible for the alleged scheme. Reports on telephone communications and visitor logs from the Casa Rosada and the Olivos presidential residence have been requested to assess potential connections between those involved.

A list of witnesses is being compiled, including blockchain and cryptocurrency experts, as well as individuals close to Milei’s inner circle who may have had prior knowledge of the scheme. Investigators are also analyzing the financial holdings of the suspects, reviewing bank accounts, investments, and other assets for indications of illicit financial gains linked to $LIBRA.

Recent financial movements tied to the scandal have raised further concerns. A wallet associated with $LIBRA reportedly transferred $4.5 million to a new digital address, with a portion of the funds allegedly used to purchase a memecoin called POPE. 

Investigators suspect this transaction was an attempt at money laundering and are closely monitoring related activities to trace the final destination of the funds.

Beyond tracking financial movements, the probe also extends to regulatory oversight. Taiano is examining Argentina’s cryptocurrency legal framework to determine whether any regulatory lapses facilitated $LIBRA’s launch and trading. 

Read more: Javier Milei responds to Libra controversy: "I only spread the word"