The Chilean government has categorically denied any connection with Argentine political consultant Fernando Cerimedo, who is currently under investigation for attempted murder and illicit enrichment. Subsecretary of the Interior Máximo Pavez explicitly rejected claims linking the administration of President José Antonio Kast to Cerimedo during a press interview on Friday, August 28, 2026. Pavez stated, “The Government of Chile does not have any link with the person you mentioned,” emphasizing that all campaign activities related to the current president were approved and conducted transparently. He reiterated that there was “no link at all that we can recognize or explain.” Cerimedo, known as the “king of the trolls,” has been associated with right-wing leaders across Latin America, including former Bolivian president Rodrigo Paz, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and Argentine leader Javier Milei. His ties to Chile emerged through his collaboration with Felipe Costabal, the head of the Ministry of Communications (Secom). Both men worked together during the 2020 constitutional referendum campaign, which opposed the proposed new constitution. While Costabal acknowledged having had contact with Cerimedo over five years ago, he claimed there were no further interactions. However, opposition figures have called for clarification regarding whether Cerimedo maintained any connections with the ministry during the early months of Kast’s presidency. Cerimedo is accused of using bot farms to influence electoral processes and is currently incarcerated in Bolivia after being charged as an accomplice in the attempted murder of his ex-partner, Nadia Beller. The Bolivian police raided his residence and found $40,000 in cash, leading to investigations into possible illegal enrichment. Additionally, they uncovered a bot farm consisting of multiple smartphones connected to a computer, programmed to perform specific tasks on social media platforms. These tools are believed to have been used to spread disinformation and discredit political opponents. The case has sparked broader discussions about the role of far-right networks in shaping political discourse. Analysts argue that Cerimedo's involvement with right-wing movements in South America reflects a growing trend of leveraging digital manipulation to gain political advantage. Some critics suggest that these tactics align with the strategies employed by far-right groups globally, often funded by opaque financial networks involving think tanks, business elites, and Silicon Valley figures. Journalist Soledad Vallejos has highlighted such connections, underscoring the need for greater transparency in political financing. In Chile, the controversy surrounding Cerimedo has intensified debates about the nature of Kast’s administration. Critics argue that his alignment with conservative policies, including support for former dictator Augusto Pinochet, suggests a leaning toward far-right ideology. During his presidential campaign, Kast avoided discussing his past associations with authoritarianism, prompting speculation about strategic shifts rather than genuine moderation. Political analysts note that while Kast has long advocated for traditional values, his recent approach appears more calculated, focusing on avoiding controversial topics rather than embracing them outright. The legal proceedings against Cerimedo continue, with a Bolivian court recently ordering a second preventive detention due to allegations of illegal enrichment. The decision comes amid ongoing legal battles over the attempted murder charge. Cerimedo’s defense attorney, Ernesto Giraldes, argued that the prosecution failed to prove how his client harmed the state and warned that moving him to a higher-security facility could endanger his life. Meanwhile, the Chilean government maintains its stance that there is no connection between its leadership and Cerimedo, despite the overlapping histories between the two men.
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