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Cuadernos trial: Clarens said he was "the man who collected for the government" and asked for a 10 percent bribe, a businessman said
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Cuadernos trial: Clarens said he was "the man who collected for the government" and asked for a 10 percent bribe, a businessman said

During the 'Cuadernos de la Corrupción' trial involving former Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, two businessmen testified about their dealings with Ernesto Clarens, an accused financier. Juan Manuel Saavedra Vertiz described Clarens as 'the man who collected for the government' and claimed he was asked for a 10% bribe over a road concession contract. He also mentioned pressure to avoid bidding on a project won by his firm. Another businessman, Jorge Cibraro, reported that Clarens requested money in exchange for helping with tenders and had connections within the government. Both men were previously cited in court documents as potential bribe payers but were later dismissed from charges. The testimony continues to build the case against Clarens and other figures linked to corruption during the Kirchner administration.

A businessman testified Tuesday that accused financier Ernesto Clarens asked for a 10 percent bribe over the value of a concession for National Route 3 in La Matanza and presented himself as “the man who collected for the government” during the Kirchner administration, according to testimony in the “Cuadernos de la Corrupción” trial. This was the second witness of the day, Juan Manuel Saavedra Vertiz, who also described pressures to avoid participating in a tender won by his firm as part of a joint venture (UTE). He stated Clarens requested a 10 percent cut because there was a “government policy of collecting for the cause.” The connection with Clarens was made through Sandro Férgola, then head of National Roadways. Saavedra claimed the UTE decided not to pay. The hearing began with another businessman, Jorge Cibraro, who implicated Clarens by stating he demanded money in exchange for helping with tenders and claimed to have access to government officials. Cibraro recalled visiting Clarens' office in Buenos Aires' microcenter multiple times due to delays in public works payments but noted no agreement was reached. Both witnesses were previously listed among supposed bribe payers in court documents submitted by Clarens to qualify as a repentant defendant. Between 2018 and 2019, they were summoned for questioning in a federal court led by the late Judge Claudio Bonadio, later dismissed. They could now testify under oath in the ongoing trial. The defense of former Kirchnerist official Roberto Baratta requested an extension of his interrogation, which the court has scheduled. Baratta was the boss of repented transport operator Oscar Centeno, whose notebooks detailed bribes paid by businesses, leading to the 2018 criminal case. Clarens has already spoken before judges Enrique Méndez Signori, Fernando Canero, and Germán Castelli, and now seeks to speak again. Previous executives from Techint declared they handed over illegal payments. The Federal Court of Appeals No. 7, which is judging former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, resumed hearings focusing on testimonies from businessmen, many of whom were previously charged but later cleared.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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Infobae logoInfobaeIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 70
Cuadernos trial: Clarens said he was "the man who collected for the government" and asked for a 10 percent bribe, a businessman said

During the 'Cuadernos de la Corrupción' trial involving former Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, two businessmen testified about their dealings with Ernesto Clarens, an accused financier. Juan Manuel Saavedra Vertiz described Clarens as 'the man who collected for the government' and claimed he was asked for a 10% bribe over a road concession contract. He also mentioned pressure to avoid bidding on a project won by his firm. Another businessman, Jorge Cibraro, reported that Clarens requested money in exchange for helping with tenders and had connections within the government. Both men were previously cited in court documents as potential bribe payers but were later dismissed from charges. The testimony continues to build the case against Clarens and other figures linked to corruption during the Kirchner administration.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the testimony of businessmen as evidence of systemic corruption under the Kirchner administration, aligning with left-wing critiques of neoliberal policies and government accountability. It emphasizes the role of officials like Clarens and highlights the alleged influence of state

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports on testimony given during the 'Cuadernos' corruption trial regarding Ernesto Clarens' alleged demands for bribes. It provides specific details from the witness statements, including the percentage requested and the role of officials like Sandro Férgola. However, it doe

Why objectivity (70): The article presents the testimony in a straightforward manner but uses emotionally charged language such as 'complicó a Clarens' and 'arrepentido financista,' which may imply judgment. The framing focuses on the allegations against Clarens without providing balanced perspectives or context about th

Clarín logoClarínIndependentCenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 80
They find 360 thousand dollars in an operative for a cause that investigates the payment of bribes in the state company Tandanor

Authorities discovered $360,000 during a raid related to an investigation into bribery payments within the state-owned company Tandanor. The operation targets alleged corruption involving the company, which has been under scrutiny for potential illegal financial activities. The seizure highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption in public sector enterprises. No further details were provided regarding the specific allegations or the legal proceedings involved.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a law enforcement action without overtly favoring any political ideology. It focuses on the discovery and the nature of the investigation without commentary on the political implications or the parties involved.

Why factuality: no official source document/info detected

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the information in a neutral tone, focusing on the operational outcome and the nature of the investigation. It does not include subjective commentary or emotional language, maintaining a balanced and informative approach.

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