Seized assets from corrupt drug users or money launderers litter between the hands of the Government and the Justice Department

In recent developments, several concerns have been raised regarding the state of Argentina's judicial system.

The Commercial, Civil, and Economic Criminal Chambers are facing a shortage of members, with the Commercial Chamber having less than half of its members, the Civil Chamber having a third of its vacancies, and the Economic Criminal Chamber having only two judges out of six. This shortage has sparked worries about the administration of justice.

Meanwhile, among the 40,000 movable and immovable assets that belong to the State, 285 are the product of seizures in corruption, money laundering, and drug trafficking cases. These assets have traditionally been administered by the Justice system for social purposes.

The Government, however, is seeking to take control of the process of administering assets seized from convicted individuals. This change is being facilitated by DNU 575/2025, signed by President Javier Milei, which regulates the administration of assets seized from convicted individuals in judicial cases.

The new legal regime could potentially affect the autonomy of the Judicial Power, according to the Presidents of the Federal Chambers of Appeals. They have expressed concern about the difficulties that will arise with the entry into force of DNU 575/2025.

Ricardo Gil Lavedra, the president of the Public College of Lawyers of the Federal Capital, has criticised the president's conduct regarding the coverage of judicial vacancies. He also expressed concern about the lack of certainty regarding mega-decree number 70, but the specifics of this decree remain unclear.

Gil Lavedra has announced that an administrative complaint will be filed with the president, and if it is not satisfied in a timely manner, they will sue in court to enforce the Constitution. Furthermore, he has voiced his concern over the intimidation suffered by Federal Judge Natalia Martinez of Rosario, urging the competent authorities to ensure her safety.

The Public College of Lawyers of the Federal Capital has also demanded action on judicial vacancies during a commemoration event. Currently, approximately 35% of the positions in judges, prosecutors, and defenders are vacant, and there are 278 proposals that the National Executive Branch is withholding.

In addition, it was reported that assets seized from drug traffickers, money launderers, corrupt individuals, and other convicted persons were previously administered by the Justice system. Currently, there are 76 ongoing auctions through which more than 13 million dollars are expected to be recovered.

The new regime establishes the "Council of Assets Recovered in Favor of the National State" to supervise, evaluate, and coordinate the tracking of seized assets. The details of this council and its potential impact on the judicial system remain to be seen.

Seized assets from corrupt drug users or money launderers litter between the hands of the Government and the Justice Department