Argentina Approves Extradition of Businessman Fred Machado to US on Drug Trafficking Charges

Supreme Court Ruling Paves Way for Extradition

Argentina's Supreme Court on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, approved the extradition of businessman Federico 'Fred' Machado to the United States. Machado is wanted in the U.S. to face charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering, and fraud. The decision by the highest court in Argentina marks a significant step in a case that has garnered considerable attention, partly due to its connections to a prominent political figure in President Javier Milei's administration.

Following the Supreme Court's ruling, the Office of the President (OPRA) confirmed that President Javier Milei instructed the Foreign Ministry, the Legal and Technical Secretariat, and the Cabinet Chief to 'immediately implement the administrative and diplomatic steps necessary' to comply with the judicial decision. The government reiterated Argentina's commitment to 'international cooperation in the fight against money laundering, drug trafficking and organized crime.'

Charges and Allegations in the United States

Machado faces multiple federal charges in the Eastern District of Texas. These include:

• Conspiracy to possess and distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine
• Manufacturing and distributing cocaine
• Illicit association to commit money laundering
• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
• Conspiracy to commit export violations and federal registration violations involving aircraft

U.S. authorities allege that Machado orchestrated a complex criminal operation. This involved the fraudulent purchase of aircraft, using false registrations, and then transferring these planes to criminal organizations in Latin America. These aircraft were reportedly used to smuggle multi-ton shipments of cocaine into the United States.

Machado has been under house arrest in Viedma, Río Negro province, Argentina, since his detention in 2021 following an Interpol red alert.

Political Ramifications and Espert's Involvement

The case has taken on a political dimension due to Machado's ties to José Luis Espert, a deputy and close ally of President Javier Milei. Documents surfaced revealing that Espert received payments from Machado. Machado admitted to providing approximately US$150,000 for Espert's 2019 presidential campaign expenses and an additional US$200,000 for consulting services related to a mining project in Guatemala.

Espert initially denied knowledge of Machado's alleged illicit activities but later admitted to receiving the funds, claiming they were for legitimate consulting work. He also acknowledged taking numerous trips on Machado's planes. The revelations led to Espert withdrawing his candidacy for the upcoming legislative elections in Buenos Aires Province.

Next Steps in the Extradition Process

The Supreme Court's decision upheld a lower Federal Court ruling, rejecting Machado's final appeal. The executive branch now holds the final authority to implement the extradition. The court order must be signed by the Milei government within 10 days. Once administrative and diplomatic steps are completed, Machado is expected to be transferred to the United States to face trial.