Asunción, Paraguay – Senator Érico Galeano, recently convicted of criminal association and money laundering, has requested a leave of absence from the Paraguayan Senate without pay, pending a final ruling on his case. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of alleged links between politicians and organized crime in the South American nation. This request, submitted to Senate President Basilio Núñez, seeks to invoke the principle of presumption of innocence while navigating the legal process.
Galeano’s request, formalized in a note to the Senate leadership, cites Article 30 of the Senate’s internal regulations as justification for the temporary suspension of his duties. He also references Article 17 of the Paraguayan Constitution, which guarantees the presumption of innocence. The senator argues that his rights as a legislator, as outlined in Article 191 of the Constitution, should be considered, specifically the protection against detention or arrest during his mandate. La Nación reported on the submission of this request on March 9, 2026.
Conviction and Allegations of Narco-Politics
The senator was sentenced to 13 years in prison last week by a Tribunal of Sentence, comprised of judges Pablino Barreto, Juan Dávalos, and Inés Galarza, for his involvement in criminal association and money laundering. The case, known as A Ultranza Py, represents one of the largest anti-narcotics operations in Paraguay’s history. Prosecutors successfully argued that Galeano provided crucial logistical support to a criminal network led by Uruguayan Sebastián Marset and Miguel Ángel “Tío Rico” Insfrán.
Evidence presented during the trial detailed Galeano’s alleged facilitation of the organization’s operations, including the loan of his private aircraft for transporting members and a simulated property sale for $1 million in cash, used to launder illicit funds. La Tribuna detailed these allegations, highlighting the scale of the operation and the senator’s alleged role.
The prosecution also alleged that Galeano leveraged his position as president of Club Deportivo Capiatá to funnel drug money into the financial system through purported sponsorships. These maneuvers were reportedly conducted during a period when financial tracking was less stringent due to the public health crisis. The initial prosecution request was for a 17-year sentence, but the court ultimately settled on 13 years.
Precedent and Procedural Considerations
Galeano’s request for a leave of absence without pay is not unprecedented. He argues that the Senate has previously granted similar permissions in other cases, citing resolutions from past legislative periods. This precedent, he believes, strengthens his case for temporary suspension while awaiting a final judgment. The Senate will now consider his request in a plenary session.
The timing of Galeano’s request is also significant, as it potentially preempts a process to strip him of his parliamentary immunity. By requesting a leave of absence, he aims to avoid this process until the legal proceedings are concluded. The outcome of this request will have implications for the composition of the Senate and the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption within the political system.
Guadalupe Aveiro’s Impending Oath
The potential vacancy created by Galeano’s leave of absence will likely be filled by his substitute, Guadalupe Aveiro, who is preparing to take the oath of office. This transition underscores the broader political ramifications of the case and the shifting dynamics within the Senate. La Tribuna reported that Aveiro is preparing for her swearing-in ceremony.
The Broader Context of Organized Crime in Paraguay
This case highlights the ongoing challenges Paraguay faces in combating organized crime and corruption. The A Ultranza Py operation exposed deep-rooted connections between criminal organizations and political figures, raising concerns about the integrity of the country’s institutions. The investigation revealed a sophisticated network involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and political influence peddling.
The involvement of high-profile individuals like Galeano underscores the pervasive nature of the problem and the difficulties in holding those in power accountable. The case has sparked calls for greater transparency and stricter regulations to prevent future instances of narco-politics. The Paraguayan government has pledged to intensify its efforts to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen its anti-corruption measures.
The conviction of Senator Galeano and his subsequent request for a leave of absence represent a pivotal moment in Paraguay’s fight against organized crime. The outcome of his case and the response from the Senate will be closely watched both domestically and internationally. The situation also raises questions about the vulnerability of democratic institutions to criminal infiltration and the need for robust safeguards to protect the rule of law. El Nacional reported that Galeano is seeking to avoid a salary while his legal process continues.
The Senate’s decision on Galeano’s request is expected in the coming days. The body will weigh his arguments regarding the presumption of innocence and his constitutional rights against the seriousness of the charges against him and the potential damage to the institution’s reputation. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Paraguay as it strives to strengthen its democratic institutions and combat the scourge of organized crime.
Key Takeaways:
- Senator Érico Galeano has requested a leave of absence from the Paraguayan Senate without pay while awaiting a final ruling on his conviction for criminal association and money laundering.
- Galeano was sentenced to 13 years in prison as part of the A Ultranza Py investigation, one of the largest anti-narcotics operations in Paraguay’s history.
- The case has exposed alleged links between politicians and organized crime, raising concerns about corruption and the integrity of Paraguay’s institutions.
- Guadalupe Aveiro is preparing to take the oath of office as Galeano’s substitute, should the Senate approve his request.
The Senate is expected to deliberate on Galeano’s request shortly. Further updates on this developing story will be provided as they become available. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and engage in constructive discussion in the comments section below.