The Public Prosecutor’s Office of Santiago del Estero began an investigation on Apr. 5 into businessman Mariano Páez following the circulation of a video in which he allegedly makes statements related to possible crimes and performs gestures similar to those that led to his daughter Agostina Páez’s legal case in Brazil.
Prosecutor Victoria Ledesma ordered the opening of the case to determine whether there are indications of criminal conduct in the content, as part of an official inquiry after widespread public dissemination of the video.
According to information from authorities, the recording was reportedly made at a bar during a gathering celebrating Agostina Páez’s return to Argentina. In the footage, Mariano Páez identifies himself as “a millionaire, loan shark, and drug dealer,” while also mimicking offensive gestures that sparked strong criticism on social media.
After the video went viral, Páez denied its authenticity and claimed it was fabricated, suggesting it may have been created using artificial intelligence. He also reported being subject to an extortion attempt aimed at preventing its release.
Meanwhile, Agostina Páez remains in Argentina after being released by Brazilian authorities. She continues to face proceedings for alleged racial insult in Brazil. The investigation into her father is ongoing as officials seek to determine any potential criminal responsibility.
