Former Deputy Joaquín Lavín León Placed in Preventive Detention Amid $240 Million Corruption Probe
A court has ordered the preventive detention of former deputy Joaquín Lavín León and his former advisor, Arnaldo Domínguez, as they face serious corruption charges. The decision comes as prosecutors investigate a massive fraud scheme against the treasury, with estimated losses reaching $240 million.
The legal proceedings, overseen by Judge Urrutia, focused on the arguments for keeping both men in custody to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation. According to reports from BioBioChile, the court’s ruling marks a significant escalation in the corruption case involving the former lawmaker.
The scale of the alleged crime is substantial. Prosecutors estimate that the defrauding of the treasury totals $240 million, and they are now seeking to expand the removal of Lavín’s parliamentary immunity—known as “desafuero”—to facilitate a more comprehensive legal process, as detailed by La Tercera.
The incarceration has taken a heavy emotional toll on the former deputy’s family. His wife, Cathy Barriga, appeared in tears following the court’s decision, describing herself as “super sad, especially for my children,” according to Cooperativa.cl. Despite her distress, Barriga maintained a defiant stance, stating that “injustices make you strong,” as reported by BioBioChile.
The case highlights the severe legal ramifications facing public officials accused of financial misconduct. The arguments used by Judge Urrutia to justify the preventive detention are further detailed in a report by Ex-Ante.
