Gandini denies links to money laundering after conviction of nationalist councillor's adviser in Montevideo
An adviser to National Party councillor Gonzalo Gómez was convicted of money laundering linked to drug trafficking. Gandini defended his wife's premises, used by the convicted man.
Gandini addresses the conviction of Gómez's adviser for money laundering
Former senator Jorge Gandini held a press conference on Tuesday to address the case of his adviser to National Party councillor Gonzalo Gómez, who was detained last Thursday in a police operation in the Brazo Oriental neighbourhood of Montevideo. According to montevideo.com.uy, the councillor's aide was convicted of money laundering linked to drug trafficking following a raid in which approximately 300 kilos of coca paste were seized from him.
The case also involves a branch of a bill collection network belonging to Gandini's wife, current director of the National Ports Administration (ANP). The police are investigating whether that establishment was used in a money laundering scheme.
Gandini described his wife's business as "a payment and collection office and minor legal activities" and was categorical: "We have nothing to hide". He maintained that the convicted man, identified as Leiva, is a customer of the establishment and only comes in to pay bills. "They know this person who was convicted of money laundering, is a customer and only comes to the office to pay bills," he explained, and clarified that Leiva did not buy or sell dollars at the business.
Gandini acknowledged that Leiva frequents the branch "as a resident of the area" and ruled out any police or prosecutor notification: "Neither I nor my wife have received any police or prosecutor summons or notification whatsoever."
The former senator admitted that the situation is "very troubling" for him and his wife. "It has been said that this person was going to exchange money, to launder it: that is not true. Perhaps those invoices have to do with some activity aimed at laundering money, but what is done at the office is collect invoices like in most places," he stated.
In support of his account, Gandini noted that the branch has 11 security cameras that record all movements of employees, so they are in a position to "document everything" stated on the matter.
Source: Google News UY — Montevideo