Fred Machado will be extradited to the United States this Wednesday

Federal police transferred Fred Machado from Viedma to Buenos Aires on Saturday. The defendant, accused of drug trafficking, money laundering, and fraud, will be extradited to the United States on Wednesday, where he will face charges. In the meantime, he remains in custody and under constant surveillance.

Fred Machado traveled in handcuffs and wearing a bulletproof vest, escorted by three officers from the Federal Fugitive and Extradition Investigation Division.

Until his flight to the United States, the police will keep him housed at the Detention Center. In addition, U.S. Marshals will be in charge of his custody during the international transfer.

The Supreme Court authorized the extradition proceedings on October 7. Therefore, Machado was released from house arrest and placed under the direct custody of the Federal Police.

Machado's investigation led to changes in the La Libertad Avanza party's list of candidates. José Luis Espert, a congressman on leave, resigned his candidacy for national deputy and requested a leave of absence from his seat. As a result, Diego Santilli took his place and was also confirmed by Javier Milei as the new Minister of the Interior.

Machado had been detained since 2021 and was under house arrest in Viedma. The charges against him in the United States include drug trafficking, money laundering, and fraud. His extradition will allow him to face these charges directly in the United States.

The transfer to Buenos Aires was the final step before his flight. There, his trial will begin under the custody of U.S. authorities.

The government of Javier Milei emphasized that the extradition is being carried out in accordance with current international treaties. It also confirmed that the Federal Police are coordinating all security measures with U.S. authorities.

The case generated media and political attention, and demonstrates the cooperation between the judicial systems of both countries to ensure compliance with the law.