Scandal over alleged bribes in disability: the crisis that shakes Milei's government

A serious corruption scandal shakes the government of Javier Milei after the leak of audios that reveal alleged millionaire bribes in the National Agency for Disability (ANDIS), which triggered the intervention of the agency and multiple judicial investigations.

The audios that uncovered the scandal

The crisis was unleashed a week ago when recordings were leaked in which Diego Spagnuolo, then director of ANDIS, denounced the payment of bribes by high-ranking officials in the purchase of medicines. In the audios, Spagnuolo claimed that bribes of five hundred thousand dollars per month related to pharmaceutical contracts were collected.

The revelation generated an immediate political crisis, forcing the government to take drastic measures to contain the shockwave of the scandal that already transcends Argentina's borders.

Removal and Government Actions

Given the seriousness of the accusations, President Javier Milei immediately requested the removal of Diego Spagnuolo from his position as Director of ANDIS. The decision was made just days after the compromising audios were released.

The government also announced the intervention of the National Agency for Disability and ordered a summary investigation of all the agency's contracts. However, the authorities did not comment on the veracity of the complaints made by the removed official himself.

Links with key government figures

The scandal splashes figures in the circle close to power, including references to a company linked to Martín Menem, president of the Chamber of Deputies. The audios also mention alleged connections that could involve Karina Milei, the president's sister and an influential figure in the government.

Extent of research

The plot of alleged bribes has extended beyond ANDIS. Recently, it was demanded to investigate Luis Petri, Minister of Defense, for a contract of 50,000 million pesos between the Institute of Social Work of the Armed Forces and the Suizo Argentina laboratory, a company pointed out in the bribery scandal.

Opposition reactions

The political opposition was quick to react, demanding explanations and transparency. Senator Leandro Santoro was one of the first to speak out, noting that "audios circulate where it is stated that the Argentine administration received bribes of five hundred thousand dollars each month" precisely when essential issues for people with disabilities are discussed.

International impact

The scandal has transcended national borders, being described by international media as a "Mani pulite a la Argentina" in reference to the famous Italian anti-corruption operation of the 90s. The world's leading media have set their eyes on this crisis that directly affects one of the most vulnerable sectors of society.

Problematic history

This scandal adds to previous controversies in the government's disability policy. In January 2025, ANDIS had generated repudiation by issuing a resolution that classified people with intellectual disabilities with discriminatory terms such as "idiot", "imbecile" or "profoundly mentally weak", which had already generated social and political unrest.

Current state of the investigation

A judicial case is currently underway that seeks to clarify the alleged bribery network. The investigation focuses on the contracts for the purchase of medicines and the possible existence of a circuit of illegal payments that would have operated for months in the agency in charge of caring for people with disabilities.

The case continues to unfold as the government faces one of its most serious crises since the beginning of Milei's administration, calling into question the transparency in the management of resources destined for one of the most sensitive sectors of Argentine social policy.

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