Argentina VP Cristina Fernandez's Money Laundering Case Dismissed

The court has dismissed a protracted money laundering case against Argentina VP Cristina Fernandez, as prosecutors and state agencies concluded that there was no evidence of criminal wrongdoing on her part, AP reports.

Federal judge Sebastian Casanello removed Fernandez from the high-profile "K money trail" case, which revolved around kickbacks and money laundering allegations involving businessman Lázaro Báez and the Fernandez family.

"Without an accusation, there is no possibility of a criminal process," Casanello wrote in his three-page resolution.

Prosecutor Guillermo Marijuan confirmed that the former president, who held office from 2007 to 2015, has been cleared of involvement in the corruption scandal that led to Báez receiving a 10-year prison sentence last month.

This is not the first time Argentina VP Cristina Fernandez has been discharged from a pending corruption prosecution before trial.

However, it is important to note that Fernandez still faces legal consequences from a separate case.

She was sentenced to six years in prison for fraudulent administration in December last year, as she was found guilty of favoring Báez in allocating public works contracts.

In addition to the prison term, Fernandez has been banned from holding public office for life. It is worth highlighting that this conviction is unrelated to the ongoing "K money trail" investigation concerning money laundering.

While there remains a possibility of the vice president's conviction being overturned on appeal, it is likely to be a lengthy process. Until the October elections, Fernandez is protected from arrest.

Argentinians Express Skepticism of Judicial System Following Ruling on VP's Money Laundering Case

Monday's ruling in Argentina has further fueled public skepticism towards the country's judicial system, as cases often face prolonged delays and uncertainty, per Al Jazeera.

"The Argentine justice system is infiltrated by politics," remarked Lucas Romero, head of Synopsis, a prominent political consulting firm. He emphasized that political interests from all sides significantly influence the federal courts.

Supporters of Argentina VP Cristina Fernandez will undoubtedly view the dismissal as validation of her longstanding claims of innocence. At the same time, critics will point to it as evidence of her alleged ability to evade accountability for potential wrongdoing.

In addition to Fernandez, Lázaro Báez also shared a close association with Nestor Kirchner, her late husband, who served as Argentina's president from 2003 to 2007.

Initially, allegations surfaced that Báez had received payments for incomplete public works projects and subsequently laundered the money on behalf of Kirchner and his wife.

As a result of Fernandez's continued political influence, both the Argentina tax agency and the anti-money-laundering agency have removed her from a case dating back to 2013.

Prosecutor: No Evidence Linking Argentina VP Cristina Fernandez to Money Laundering Case

In a recent development, Prosecutor Guillermo Marijuan has reiterated his stance that there is no evidence involving Argentina VP Cristina Fernandez in the $65 million money laundering case that resulted in the conviction of businessman Lázaro Báez, according to LA Times.

Marijuan had previously acknowledged the existence of a "close and direct personal relationship" between Báez and the vice president. However, he stressed that this connection did not establish the vice president's involvement in the money laundering scheme.

During the administrations of Fernandez and her late husband, Báez held ownership of Austral Construcciones, a prominent company that secured significant public works contracts.

In a recent interview, Marijuan reaffirmed his position, stating that he has not discovered any conclusive proof linking Argentina VP Cristina Fernandez to the money laundering case.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Argentine Vice President Sentenced To Six Years For Fraud Charges - From NBC News