Paraguayan court convicts former Argentine senator Kueider for attempted currency smuggling
A specialised court in Paraguay imposed a two-year suspended prison sentence on former Argentine legislator Eduardo Kueider after finding him responsible for attempting to bring more than 200,000 dollars into the country concealed. His romantic companion, Iara Guinsel, received a lesser sentence for
Paraguayan court convicts former Argentine senator Kueider for attempted currency smuggling
A specialised court in economic crimes in Paraguay imposed a sentence of two years' imprisonment suspended on former Argentine legislator Eduardo Kueider, after determining his responsibility in attempting to introduce foreign currency covertly into national territory. His former workplace partner and current romantic companion, Iara Guinsel Costa, was sentenced to one year and ten months under the same arrangement, as she was deemed a co-participant in the unlawful act in the form of an attempt.
The ruling was handed down on Monday, 6 July 2026, following a request by the Public Ministry for a sentence of two years and two months for both defendants. The judges determined that the cash transported constitutes merchandise subject to declaration before the tax authority, thus constituting the crime of currency smuggling in the form of an attempt.
Kueider's arrest took place in December 2024, when he attempted to cross the border from Brazil into Paraguay via the Friendship Bridge carrying more than 200,000 US dollars, along with Argentine pesos and guaraníes, without reporting them to customs officials. Since then, the native of Concordia remained under house arrest in the Paraguayan capital for a year and a half, a period that will be deducted from the sentence imposed.
In his final intervention before the court, the former senator refused to express remorse, despite prosecutors having indicated that an attitude of contrition could benefit him. "It is not appropriate to apologise for something that was not committed," he stated, although he clarified that he values "tremendously the people and institutions of Paraguay". He also revealed that he remained silent during the hearings on the advice of his legal advisers, despite feeling with "a tremendous urge to speak" when hearing the testimony of witnesses.
The former official took the opportunity to highlight the performance of the Paraguayan judiciary and to compare it unfavourably with the judicial system of his country of origin, where he faces various investigations for alleged illicit enrichment and money laundering. "The functioning of Paraguayan Justice is admirable. I know what happens in Argentina and I am personally going through terrible situations with Argentine Justice," he said. He added that "for an innocent person, a swift process is the best thing that can happen".
With regard to Guinsel Costa, Kueider emphasised that she "never held a public office" and that she only provided services in the Argentine Upper House "for four months, between February and May 2024", distancing her from all subsequent state activity.
After the hearing concluded, the convicted man described the decision as "debatable" and confirmed that he would appeal it. He questioned the reliability of some of those who testified at trial, pointing out inconsistencies in their accounts, and emphasised that "the backpack was on the back seat, so there was no concealment".
The former senator also faces a second case in Paraguayan territory related to the irregular acquisition of six high-category properties in Asunción, which resulted in a new accusation for alleged money laundering, given suspicions about the illicit origin of the resources used.
Kueider, who entered the Argentine Congress through Peronism and later supported the initiatives of the government of Javier Milei, lost his seat after being detained. Previously, Paraguayan authorities had authorised his extradition to Argentina, requested by the courts of that country. The Federal Appeals Chamber of San Martín has already established that the former legislator will be apprehended immediately if he returns to Argentine territory in connection with the illicit enrichment case.
Information from Diario Junio and Confirmado.com.ar
Source: Google News PY — Crime