Court Revokes Probation in “VIP Vaccination” case Involving Union Leader adn Hospital Staff
A recent ruling by Argentina’s Cassation Chamber has revoked teh probation granted to several individuals involved in a scheme to secure COVID-19 vaccinations outside of priority health groups at the avia Regional Hospital. The decision means 21 accused, including union leader Omar Taboada, now face a potential oral trial.
The investigation revealed a system where union leaders allegedly paid between 400,000 and 3,000,000 pesos to gain access to vaccine doses, despite not qualifying under established priority guidelines. Originally, those granted probation were subject to compensation payments and 96 hours of community service as conditions.
However, two individuals previously convicted in connection with the scheme – nurse Analía Muñoz (sentenced to 3 years suspended for theft and passive bribery) and social work employee Marcos Paura (sentenced to 2.5 years suspended for active bribery) – had already faced consequences.
The Cassation chamber’s decision to revoke probation was based on the duly motivated and binding opposition presented by Attorney General Teodoro Nürnberg. The court argued that crimes related to corruption, public health, and the involvement of public officials are not compatible with the figure of probation, citing established criminal doctrine.
the ruling also emphasized Argentina’s international commitments regarding corruption and the need for transparency in cases that impact the state’s institutional reputation, stating such cases must be “ventilated in an oral trial, in the face of society.” The court specifically noted that Muñoz’s actions occured during her public employment, giving her direct access to state assets, making probation “manifestly inadmissible.”
If convicted at trial, the accused face a maximum penalty of two years suspended prison for cover-up. Nürnberg had challenged the initial probation from the outset, citing the case’s institutional severity and the need for transparency.
Taboada’s defense, led by lawyer guillermo Iglesias, has questioned the existence of direct evidence, characterizing the case as reliant on inferences. They specifically pointed to the lack of scientific evidence, such as serological analysis, linking the accused to the missing vaccine doses. The defense also argued that evidence perhaps clearing doubts was rejected and that the prosecution was driven by Taboada’s “political weight” rather than solid evidence.
The case now returns to the Federal Oral Court to determine whether to proceed to trial with all 21 accused, or if some may still qualify for probation following a re-examination of their legal conditions.
Taboada is a former national deputy and currently serves as the leader of the powerful truck driver union in Chubut. The case is part of a broader national debate surrounding “VIP vaccination” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
