Accomplices in Argentina: Facilitating Crime Carries Same Penalties as Main Perpetrators
=====================================
Buenos Aires, Argentina - The Argentine government has taken a strong stance against bribery and corruption by making it clear that accomplices who facilitate these crimes will face the same penalties as the main perpetrators.
Strengthening Efforts Against Bribery and Corruption
According to Article 256 of the Criminal Code, public officials who receive gifts or promises in exchange for performing, delaying, or stopping their duties can be imprisoned for one to six years and permanently disqualified from holding public office. Similarly, individuals who directly or indirectly offer gifts in an attempt to influence a public official’s actions can also face imprisonment for up to six years.
Empowering Federal Courts and Law Enforcement
The law has empowered federal courts to conduct investigations and order searches, seizures, and asset freezes. National and provincial police forces are at the disposal of these courts, allowing them to perform witness interviews and execute search warrants on behalf of the judiciary.
- Federal courts have broad powers to:
- Conduct investigations
- Order searches
- Seize assets
- National and provincial police forces can:
- Perform witness interviews
- Execute search warrants on behalf of the judiciary
Administrative Sanctions
In addition to criminal penalties, administrative sanctions can also be imposed. For example:
- Contracts involving bribery or corruption can be declared null and void.
- Companies found guilty of such practices can be removed from the state registry of suppliers and contractors.
Commitment to Rooting Out Corruption
The Argentine government has taken a tough stance against bribery and corruption, making it clear that anyone who facilitates these crimes will face severe consequences. The country is committed to rooting out corruption and ensuring transparency in its public institutions.
Key Takeaways
- Accomplices who facilitate bribery and corruption can face the same penalties as main perpetrators.
- Public officials found guilty of accepting gifts or promises in exchange for official actions can be imprisoned for up to six years and permanently disqualified from holding public office.
- Legal entities can be held criminally liable for corruption crimes committed in their name, interest, or benefit.
- Federal courts have broad powers to conduct investigations, order searches, and seize assets.
- National and provincial police forces are empowered to perform witness interviews and execute search warrants on behalf of the judiciary.
Source
Argentine Criminal Code, Law No 27,401, and Supreme Court of Argentina (CSJN) rulings.