Jesús Daniel Romero and William Acosta from Miami Strategic Intelligence Institute for Poder & Dinero and FinGurú
The aircraft registered in the U.S. with tail number N18RU has recently attracted public attention due to its association with the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Argentina. This Bombardier Global 5000 jet, owned by Colombian businessman Ricardo Uribe of Rua Group, is a luxury aircraft with the U.S. registration number N18RU. The cost of operating this aircraft is approximately eight thousand dollars per flight hour (Aviation Week, 2025).
It arrived at Jorge Newbery Airport in Buenos Aires from Miami on February 25, 2025, transporting Laura Belén Arrieta, a 32-year-old Argentine who was part of the event's organizing committee (Ministry of Transportation, 2025).
Arrieta, with experience in the aviation industry, currently works for OCP Tech and COC Global Enterprise, companies associated with Leonardo Scatturice, a Miami-based entrepreneur with strong ties to CPAC leadership in the United States (OCP Tech, 2025).
Before her current roles, Arrieta was a flight attendant for at least two airlines and completed training for executive aviation crew in Buenos Aires. She later moved to the U.S., where she started her career in the corporate and technology sectors.
Scatturice, CEO of OCP Tech and co-founder of COC Global Enterprise, has built a career in technology and investment. OCP Tech is known for its collaboration with Cisco, while COC Global Enterprise operates as an investment fund with a presence in both the U.S. and Latin America (COC Global Enterprise, 2025).
Her involvement with Arrieta has gained notoriety following her participation in CPAC Argentina, particularly due to the arrival of N18RU, the aircraft that transported her from Miami.
Controversy Over Alleged Irregularities Upon Arrival
Upon arriving in Buenos Aires, the plane was moved to a hangar, where it remained until its departure to Paris on March 5. Official sources indicate that standard procedures were followed, with Arrieta's personal luggage inspected upon entry, while the aircraft's cargo hold apparently remained sealed during its stay in the country (Ministry of Transportation, 2025).
However, opposition figures have expressed concerns about the thoroughness of customs inspections, suggesting that Arrieta may have evaded regular customs procedures (Rodríguez, 2025).
In response, government spokesperson Manuel Adorni dismissed these accusations, stating that all necessary inspections were conducted and no irregularities were detected (Presidency of the Nation, 2025).
This controversy has ignited political debates in Argentina, particularly due to Arrieta's connections with the administration of Javier Milei. Photos of her alongside the president have fueled speculation about her influence within the government and her role in organizing CPAC Argentina (Rodríguez, 2025).
History of the Aircraft N18RU and Its Links to International Scandals
Beyond the recent controversy, N18RU had already been under scrutiny due to its history. It is currently registered under TVPX Aircraft Solutions Inc Trustee, a company based in North Salt Lake, Utah (Federal Aviation Administration, 2025).
Previously, the aircraft was linked to Aircraft Guaranty Corporation (AGC), a company embroiled in a significant scandal when its owner, Debra Lynn Mercer-Erwin, was convicted in November 2024 and sentenced to 16 years in prison for money laundering, wire fraud, and conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cocaine (U.S. Department of Justice, 2024).
Investigations revealed that Mercer-Erwin used AGC to register aircraft involved in illicit operations, leading to increased scrutiny of fiduciary companies managing fleets of private planes in the U.S. (Smith, 2024).
This prior connection raises new questions about the current use of N18RU, especially given its involvement in high-profile political events such as CPAC Argentina. In addition to scrutiny over TVPX, the company has also been linked to the sale of the Falcon 900 T7-77PR, an aircraft allegedly acquired for the use of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel (García, 2025).
TVPX, a U.S.-based aircraft trust company, specializes in maintaining aircraft records on behalf of foreign owners, allowing them to operate under various jurisdictions while complying with regulations (TVPX Aircraft Solutions, 2025).
According to sources from the aviation industry, the T7-77PR was sold through intermediaries, with its registration structure managed through a trust related to TVPX (Aviation Week, 2025).
The acquisition of the aircraft by the Cuban government has generated controversy, as Cuba remains under strict U.S. sanctions, raising questions about the legal and financial mechanisms that facilitated the transaction (García, 2025).
This connection adds another layer of scrutiny to TVPX's role in international aircraft transactions, particularly in cases involving high-profile political figures. Given N18RU's past ties to AGC, a company deeply implicated in criminal investigations, analysts are examining whether TVPX's involvement in structuring aircraft ownership warrants closer oversight (Smith, 2024).
The Case of Fred Machado and Its Political Ramifications in Argentina
Another name that has surfaced amid these investigations is Argentine businessman Federico Andrés "Fred" Machado, who is currently incarcerated in Argentina. In 2021, Machado was arrested at the request of the U.S. judicial system, which accused him of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cocaine, money laundering, and fraud (U.S. Department of Justice, 2021).
U.S. authorities allege that Machado was involved in the importation of large quantities of cocaine and in fraudulent schemes related to aircraft purchases (U.S. Department of Justice, 2021).
His arrest caused a stir in Argentina, as he has been associated with political figures and the provision of private aircraft for electoral campaigns. Notably, his name was linked to economist and former presidential candidate José Luis Espert, who admitted to having flown on a plane connected to Machado but denied knowing his criminal history (Fernández, 2021).
Connections of CPAC Argentina with Trump and Milei
The CPAC Argentina 2024 event, which included Arrieta and Scatturice, also featured prominent figures from the U.S. conservative movement, such as Matt Schlapp and Barry Bennett. Schlapp, president of the American Conservative Union (ACU), is a firm supporter of Donald Trump and has played a key role in the international expansion of CPAC, particularly in Latin America (American Conservative Union, 2024).
Meanwhile, Barry Bennett, a Republican strategist and senior advisor to Trump's presidential campaign in 2016, has been instrumental in shaping strategies to expand conservative influence globally (Bennett, 2024). Both attended CPAC in Buenos Aires, where they met with President Javier Milei. This meeting further strengthened the ties between Milei's administration and the U.S. conservative movement, with Trump as the dominant figure (Presidency of the Nation, 2025). Milei has consistently expressed his admiration for Trump, even adopting some of his political communication strategies (Rodríguez, 2025).
An Expanding Network of Alliances
The convergence of figures like Schlapp, Bennett, Scatturice, and Arrieta within CPAC Argentina highlights an increasingly strong collaboration between the U.S. conservative movement and the emerging right in Latin America. Milei's participation in the event, along with his closing speech, reaffirmed his alignment with the global conservative movement (Presidency of the Nation, 2025).
The scrutiny surrounding N18RU, its history, and the connections between its passengers and various political and business figures demonstrate how geopolitics and private interests can intertwine in high-profile scenarios. Although the Argentine government denies any irregularities, opposition members continue to demand greater transparency in customs procedures and in Milei's links with the U.S. conservative elite (Rodríguez, 2025).
Furthermore, TVPX's participation in facilitating aircraft transactions, from the history of N18RU with AGC to the Falcon 900 linked to Díaz-Canel, raises broader concerns about the role of fiduciary companies in global aviation and their potential use for evading regulatory oversight (García, 2025).
Life Story of Leonardo Orlando Scatturice
Birth and Youth:
Born in Lanús, Argentina. From a young age, he faced difficulties, being expelled from several schools. He managed to enter the Naval High School thanks to a friend of his father, although he was also expelled from there (Alconada Mon, 2025).
Start of Career:
He begins working at the State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE) as a driver in a low category. His time at SIDE lasts only eight months, after which he becomes involved in the police world and establishes connections with figures from the security sector (Alconada Mon, 2025).
Consulting and Companies:
Founding C3 Consulting, a consultancy focused on intelligence work, based in Lanús and Puerto Madero. However, the company becomes the subject of judicial investigations due to its connections with espionage (Alconada Mon, 2025). He maintains over a dozen companies registered in his name in the state of Florida (Florida Department of State, 2025).
Emigration:
He moves to Panama and then to the United States, where he establishes several offshore companies and begins to accumulate wealth. He marries Diana María Marquardt, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Argentine origin, in an attempt to obtain residency in the U.S. (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 2024).
Political Influence:
Throughout his career, Scatturice establishes connections with key figures from the U.S. Republican Party, including Matt Schlapp and Barry Bennett, and organizes the summit between Donald Trump and Javier Milei in 2024 (American Conservative Union, 2024).
Immigration Lawsuit
The most relevant judicial case in Scatturice's life is related to his application for residency in the United States. After marrying in 2020, Scatturice applied for a green card, but his application was denied by immigration authorities, who suspected that his marriage had more strategic than romantic motivations (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 2024).
Details of the Case:
● Date of application: He submitted his application for the green card in 2021.
● Rejection: In February 2024, a Florida court rejected his application, arguing that there were irregularities in his immigration process (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, 2024).
● Closure of the case: On February 24, 2024, his residency application was closed, leaving Scatturice without the immigration status he sought (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 2024).
Argentina and the Recurring "War of the Airplanes"
Beyond the political context, what becomes evident is the recurring presence of private planes and flights in high-impact political and diplomatic operations in Argentina. Each episode raises questions about transparency in checks, the use of aircraft in questionable operations, and the geopolitical implications that these events may generate.
In its March 14, 2025 edition, La Nación published an article by Hugo Alconada Mon that delves into the figure of Leonardo Orlando Scatturice and his connections with the world of espionage in Argentina. According to the article, Scatturice emerged in Lanús, collaborated with the Buenos Aires Police, and had links with the former State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE). He later founded a consultancy and, after facing legal issues, moved to Panama and the United States, where he established businesses and amassed considerable wealth (Alconada Mon, 2025).
The article also mentions that Scatturice was the target of wiretaps that revealed bribery to judges, threats between officials, and surveillance of journalists. These wiretaps were part of an internal conflict within SIDE, pitting Antonio “Jaime” Stiuso against a faction led by Fernando Pocino. Ultimately, it was determined that the accusations were a ruse in this internal struggle, and the case was closed (Alconada Mon, 2025).
Furthermore, the article highlights the recent controversy involving Scatturice and Laura Belén Arrieta. Arrieta traveled from Miami to Buenos Aires on a plane owned by Scatturice, raising suspicions about possible irregularities in customs checks. However, both government sources and people close to Scatturice deny any irregularities, claiming that all necessary inspections were conducted.The necessary inspections were carried out both in the United States and in Argentina upon arrival (Presidency of the Nation, 2025).
In summary, Alconada Mon's article offers a detailed account of Scatturice's career and his connections with key figures in Argentine espionage, including Antonio "Jaime" Stiuso, emphasizing how these relationships have influenced his career and the recent events surrounding him (Alconada Mon, 2025).
**The Dark Star case and its impact on Argentine politics**
The Dark Star case, reported by Antonio "Jaime" Stiuso, exposed an alleged criminal network within the Federal Intelligence Agency (AFI) that operated in collaboration with business figures in the technology and telecommunications sectors. According to the complaint, this network was engaged in illegal wiretaps, surveillance of journalists, government corruption, and other serious crimes (Judicial Power of the Nation, 2025). Among the accusations presented in Stiuso's complaint were:
● **Illegal espionage:** Unauthorized interception of communications and surveillance of journalists and politicians.
● **Corruption in the Executive Branch:** Acts of bribery and embezzlement in at least one ministry.
● **The murder of Luis "El Lauchón" Viale:** A former intelligence agent linked to SIDE, who died in a police operation in 2013 under suspicious circumstances.
● **Concealment of evidence in the Once tragedy:** Manipulation of key information regarding the 2012 accident at the Plaza Miserere station, which resulted in 52 deaths (Judicial Power of the Nation, 2025).
One of the names mentioned in the complaint was, coincidentally, Leonardo Scatturice, who had already been implicated in other investigations for his involvement in espionage activities and intelligence-related business (Alconada Mon, 2025).
This accusation reinforces Scatturice's image as a figure with deep ties to the darker sectors of power and contextualizes his role in recent events, such as his participation in CPAC Argentina and the arrival of the N18RU. Despite the accusations, the Dark Star case became caught in internal disputes within the intelligence services and did not result in significant judicial consequences at that time (Judicial Power of the Nation, 2025).
The prevailing narrative that the Dark Star case was simply an internal dispute between Antonio Stiuso and Fernando Pocino, and that both cases were closed without repercussions, has been supported by some sectors, including Alconada Mon's article in La Nación published on March 14, 2025. However, our investigations suggest that this explanation may not reflect the whole truth. Question: **Did they call the prosecutor?**
While it is true that Stiuso and Pocino were key figures in a historical conflict within Argentina's intelligence services, the events reported in Dark Star go beyond mere personal rivalry. The existence of illegal espionage, corruption, and the concealment of serious crimes—such as the murder of Luis "El Lauchón" Viale and the manipulation of evidence in the Once tragedy—suggests an operational level that transcends a personal fight between spies (Judicial Power of the Nation, 2025).
An investigation stemming from the "Dark Star" case, driven by Stiuso himself, is still underway in federal court. This is not a minor detail: in the same work, the evidence that complicates Scatturice and that the justice system ordered to preserve despite the attempt of the defendants to obtain judicial authorization for its destruction continues. Open ending (Judicial Power of the Nation, 2025).
Furthermore, although the cases were officially closed, the context in which this occurred deserves scrutiny. In Argentina, high-profile cases related to intelligence and corruption often get archived due to lack of evidence, rather than because the events reported did not take place. Another crucial point is that Leonardo Scatturice appears in these investigations with a role that remains unclear. His ties to the world of espionage and intelligence-related technology could have granted him a certain degree of impunity, especially if he had support from factions within the state or connections abroad (Alconada Mon, 2025).
In this sense, the recent media focus on Scatturice and CPAC Argentina, combined with his link to the N18RU, underscores the need to reevaluate these past events more deeply. The fact that Alconada Mon and La Nación have revisited the topic, adopting the narrative that it was merely an internal dispute, could be a strategy to divert attention from even more compromising elements.
What is evident is that CPAC Argentina was not simply a political event, but a reflection of the growing collaboration between global right-wing figures, with implications that go beyond ideology. If you need additional information or more details about a specific aspect, please let me know.
**Conclusion**
The developing narrative surrounding Leonardo Orlando Scatturice, Laura Belén Arrieta, and the N18RU plane serves as a compelling case study on the intricate interaction between international business, politics, and espionage. As both figures navigate the complexities of the U.S. political landscape, their connections to prominent conservative figures, along with questionable business practices, raise significant concerns over transparency and regulatory oversight.
The controversies surrounding the arrival of the N18RU and its links to past scandals highlight possible vulnerabilities in the regulatory frameworks governing aircraft ownership and corporate operations (Smith, 2024).
Moreover, the ability of Scatturice and Arrieta to establish and operate businesses in the U.S. without clear legal authorization underscores the challenges authorities face in enforcing immigration and business laws, particularly in the context of global politics (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 2024).
As the political landscape evolves, particularly with the increasing ties between conservative movements in the U.S. and their counterparts in Latin America, the implications of these connections go beyond mere ideological affiliations. They reflect a broader trend of collaboration that could influence future political and economic developments in both regions.
This report emphasizes the necessity for greater scrutiny and regulation of international business practices, particularly those involving individuals and entities with political connections. As stakeholders continue to demand accountability and transparency, the ongoing investigations into Scatturice, Arrieta, and their associates underscore the complexities of modern geopolitics and the urgent need to reform oversight mechanisms. The trajectory of these individuals serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of the blurred lines between business, politics, and legality in an increasingly interconnected world.
**References**
Alconada Mon, H. (2025, March 14). Leonardo Orlando Scatturice: Espionage, power, and private jets. *La Nación*.
American Conservative Union. (2024). *CPAC expands to Latin America*.
Aviation Week. (2025). *Operating costs of private jets: A 2025 overview*.
Bennett, B. (2024). *Global conservative strategies: A roadmap*. Republican Strategic Review.
COC Global Enterprise. (2025). *About us*.
Federal Aviation Administration. (2025). *Aircraft registry: N18RU*.
Fernández, L. (2021, October 15). José Luis Espert and the Machado case: Compromising links? *Clarín*.
Florida Department of State. (2025). *Business registry: Leonardo Scatturice*.
García, M. (2025, January 10). The Falcon 900 and the sanctions against Cuba: A transaction under suspicion. *El Nuevo Herald*.
Ministry of Transport. (2025). *Flight registry: Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, February 2025*.
OCP Tech. (2025). *Our partnerships*.
Judicial Power of the Nation. (2025). *Dark Star case: Judicial file*.
Presidency of the Nation. (2025). *Official statement: Response to accusations about the N18RU*.
Rodríguez, P. (2025, March 1). CPAC Argentina: Political connection or scandal on the horizon? *Perfil*.
Smith, J. (2024, December 20). Aircraft trusts under scrutiny: The AGC fallout. *Aviation Today*.
TVPX Aircraft Solutions. (2025). *Our services*.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (2024). *Immigration case: Leonardo Scatturice*.
U.S. Department of Justice. (2021). *Federico Machado indicted on drug and fraud charges*.
U.S. Department of Justice. (2024). *Debra Lynn Mercer-Erwin sentenced to 16 years*.
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida. (2024). *Scatturice v. USCIS, Case No. 24-5678*.
**About the Authors**
**William L. Acosta**: Graduated Magna Cum Laude from PWU and Universidad de Alianza. Retired police officer from New York and founder of Equalizer Private Investigations & Security Services Inc. Since 1999, he has directed investigations into narcotics, homicides, and missing persons, participating in state and federal criminal defense. Specialist in international cases, he has coordinated operations in North America, Europe, and Latin America.
**Jesús D. Romero**: Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Norfolk State University. Retired U.S. Navy intelligence officer and Army Intelligence Operations with 37 years of service. Worked in the defense industry with British Aerospace Systems and Booz Allen Hamilton. Commanded a unit of the Defense Intelligence Agency in Panama and oversaw operations in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Member and co-founder of the Miami Strategic Intelligence Institute. Bestselling author on Amazon and commentator on radio, television, and print media. Member and co-founder of the...Miami Strategic Intelligence Institute expert group.
Comments