Million-dollar fraud in Neuquén: three accused added and further complicate the former vice governor

The investigation into the alleged million-dollar fraud in the Neuquén Legislature added a new chapter this Monday. The Public Prosecutor's Office expanded the charges against former Vice Governor Gloria Ruiz and included four new defendants in a case investigating possible fraudulent administration and irregular contracting offenses during her tenure at the head of the provincial Legislative Power.

The hearing was led by prosecutor Juan Narvaez, who presented new facts related to the hiring of suppliers and the management of public funds. The case had already gained relevance days earlier with the conviction of Pablo Ruiz, brother of the former vice governor and former coordinator of the House of Laws, who admitted his involvement in embezzlement and fraudulent administration maneuvers.

Who are the new defendants in the case

During the hearing, the following were added as defendants: S. R., P. A. S., P. S., and M. A. C., who join an investigation that already involves former officials and individuals linked to contracts made by the Neuquén Legislature.

Accusations were also expanded against the former chamber secretary, María Isabel Ricchini, and the former administrative pro-secretary, Élida Noemí Sánchez.

However, the guarantees judge Juan Manuel Kees decided to adjourn until next Thursday so that the defenses can respond to the new charges.

The contract under scrutiny

One of the main focuses of the investigation is the direct hiring of the firm Big Sur Marketing, a transaction for which Gloria Ruiz had already been charged in October 2025.

According to the hypothesis of the Public Prosecutor's Office, the company was favored through an exceptional procedure despite the amount involved requiring a bidding process or a competitive selection mechanism, as established by Provincial Law No. 2141.

Investigators maintain that the contract would have caused an economic detriment of $45,012,000 to public funds.

For this reason, the Prosecutor's Office accused the managing partner of the firm, identified as S. R., of having played an essential role in carrying out the investigated maneuver.

What crimes is the Justice investigating

The case focuses on possible fraudulent administration offenses against the State, a criminal figure that penalizes those who manage public resources irregularly, causing economic damage to state assets.

For investigators, several of the contracts made during Gloria Ruiz's management would have deliberately avoided the controls and procedures established by current regulations.

In this regard, the Prosecutor's Office seeks to determine whether there was an organized structure aimed at favoring certain suppliers through direct contracts without sufficient legal backing.