A document uncovered from the phone of Argentine President Javier Milei's close intermediary, Mauricio Novelli, has sent shockwaves through the cryptocurrency market. The file reveals a $5 million payment agreement between Milei and the LIBRA token project, deepening the so-called "crypto scandal" surrounding the South American leader.
Payment Details: Three Tranches with Conditions
According to the document dated February 11, 2025, the payment plan consisted of three critical stages: an initial $1.5 million advance; a second $1.5 million contingent on Milei publicly announcing Hayden Davis as his advisor; and a final $2 million after signing a government consulting contract. The document surfaced just three days before Milei's tweet that sparked the $LIBRA controversy, a highly sensitive timeline.
Investigation Progress: Prosecutors See Key Evidence
Argentina's prosecutorial technical unit has designated this file as a central piece of evidence in the ongoing "crypto scandal" investigation. The price of $LIBRA has already plunged -16.65%, signaling market panic. Prosecutors are probing whether the agreement involved improper influence or illegal lobbying. President Milei has not publicly commented, but his office previously denied any financial ties to cryptocurrency projects.
This case carries implications beyond Argentine politics; it could set a dangerous precedent if a head of state is proven to have directly marketed a digital token, potentially reshaping global crypto regulations.