Argentina Clears President Milei of Ethics Violations in Libra Token Promotion

Argentina’s federal anti-corruption authority has officially cleared President Javier Milei of wrongdoing related to his February endorsement of the cryptocurrency token Libra. The agency determined that Milei’s social media promotion was conducted in a personal capacity without the use of federal resources, thus not breaching public ethics laws. The anti-corruption office emphasized that while Milei’s actions were cleared administratively, a separate federal criminal investigation into potential securities violations remains active.

In a significant development for cryptocurrency regulation in Argentina, the federal anti-corruption authority has concluded that President Javier Milei did not violate any ethics laws by promoting the Libra token on social media. The office clarified that Milei’s endorsement was made personally, without leveraging government resources or official channels. This distinction was crucial in their decision, highlighting the boundaries between private expression and official conduct for public officials. The ruling underscores the complexities public figures face when engaging with emerging financial technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrencies.

The controversy originated from the launch of the Libra token by Kelsier Ventures, a Delaware-registered company, under the project banner “Viva La Libertad.” President Milei’s immediate social media support helped propel the token’s price from near zero to around $5 within minutes, driving its market capitalization to approximately $4.5 billion. However, this rapid surge was followed by a dramatic collapse after the founders, holding about 70% of the supply, sold off their stakes at peak prices. The resulting crash wiped out between $100 million and $250 million in value, raising concerns about market manipulation and investor protection in Argentina’s nascent crypto ecosystem.

While the anti-corruption office’s review focused solely on whether Milei breached administrative ethics rules, the ongoing federal criminal investigation explores broader legal issues, including potential securities law violations and market manipulation. This bifurcation reflects the dual layers of oversight in Argentina’s regulatory framework, where administrative bodies assess ethical compliance, and criminal courts handle allegations of illegal conduct. The separation ensures that Milei’s clearance on ethics grounds does not preclude further legal scrutiny or consequences arising from the criminal probe.

President Milei has consistently maintained that his social media posts aimed to highlight cryptocurrency’s potential to foster economic growth and support startups, rather than to promote direct investment in Libra. His stance reflects a broader governmental interest in leveraging blockchain technology for economic development while navigating regulatory challenges. This case may set a precedent for how public officials engage with digital assets in Argentina, balancing innovation advocacy with compliance to legal and ethical standards.

The unfolding events surrounding the Libra token highlight the urgent need for clear regulatory frameworks to govern cryptocurrency activities in Argentina. As digital assets gain traction, authorities face the challenge of protecting investors without stifling innovation. The ongoing criminal investigation and administrative rulings signal a cautious approach, emphasizing transparency and accountability. Stakeholders in Argentina’s crypto market should monitor these developments closely, as they will likely influence future policy and enforcement strategies.

The anti-corruption office’s decision to clear President Milei of ethical violations marks a pivotal moment in Argentina’s evolving relationship with cryptocurrency. While Milei’s personal endorsement of the Libra token did not breach public ethics laws, the continuing criminal investigation underscores the complexity of regulating digital assets. This case exemplifies the delicate balance between fostering technological innovation and ensuring market integrity, setting the stage for more comprehensive crypto oversight in Argentina’s financial landscape.