Argentine arms trafficking scandal
| Industry | Defense |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Argentina |
| Products | Weapons and ammunition |
The Argentine arms trafficking scandal centered on the unlawful export of weapons and ammunition from Argentina to Croatia and Ecuador between 1991 and 1995. During this period, Croatia was subject to a United Nations embargo on arms, while Argentina was forbidden from supplying arms to Ecuador due to a peace treaty established in 1942.[1]
History
The sale of arms to Ecuador took place amid its short conflict with Peru in early 1995. This incident held great significance in Argentina, as the country was one of the four official guarantors of the Treaty of Rio de Janeiro, thereby violating international law.[2] Furthermore, it damaged diplomatic ties with Peru, a long-standing ally since the 1982 Falklands War, during which Peru provided military support to Argentina.
The shipments destined for Croatia commenced in 1991 following the issuance of two secret decrees by Argentine president Carlos Menem, with a third decree issued in 1995. According to scholar Paul Hockenos, Ivo Rojnica, a former Croatian collaborator who had relocated to Argentina, played a pivotal role as an intermediary.[3]
Initially, the shipments were declared as intended for Panama, then redirected to Venezuela following the third decree. Neither Panama nor Venezuela had previously requested arms shipments; notably, Panama had disbanded its army after the 1989 U.S. invasion. The majority of these weapons were rerouted to Croatia amid its conflict with Yugoslavia, with additional consignments sent to Ecuador in 1995.
A total of seven maritime shipments arrived in Croatia; the first contained military gear from Fabricaciones Militares (DGFM), including FAL rifles. Later shipments comprised surplus military equipment such as 155 mm artillery pieces and Italian Oto Melara howitzers. Argentina presented these weapons as refurbished units, which Croatia accepted.
Approximately 6,500 tons of illicitly trafficked arms and ammunition were smuggled. Some firearms had their serial numbers and Argentine markings removed at the military factory located in Rio Tercero. This facility was subsequently destroyed in an act of sabotage aimed at erasing evidence; the explosion caused extensive destruction across much of the city and resulted in fatalities. Many witnesses involved in the ensuing trial have since died under suspicious conditions.
Arrests
Following the admission by former Controller of Fabricaciones Militares, Luis Sarlenga, federal judge Jorge Urso ordered house arrest for Carlos Menem in June 2001. However, six months later, the Supreme Court controversially acquitted Menem and granted his release.
In 2007, Menem was once again prosecuted by economic criminal judge Rafael Caputo; he was prohibited from leaving Argentina and had his assets frozen. Nevertheless, his senatorial immunity from La Rioja shielded him from immediate consequences. The trial also implicated former economic minister Domingo Cavallo, Defense Minister Oscar Camilion, and Air Force Brigadier Juan Paulik.
See also
External links
- NATIONAL DECREE 2.283/1991 ON ARMS SALE AND EXPORT - SAIJ, Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, Argentina (SAIJ ID: DN19910002283) (in Spanish) retrieved 2017-08-13
- "Weapons threaten Erman's position" - Diario Pagina 12, September 2, 1998 (in Spanish) retrieved 2017-08-13
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