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Argentina’s Milei denies promoting cryptocurrency that crashed

Argentina’s president spoke out for the first time about a cryptocurrency scandal that has dented his reputation

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Argentina’s President Javier Milei leaves the Casa Rosada presidential palace in Buenos Aires on Monday. Photo: AFP
Agence France-Presse

Argentina’s President Javier Milei on Monday denied promoting a cryptocurrency that crashed, losing investors billions of dollars and prompting a flood of complaints, as prosecutors reportedly prepared an investigation into the scandal.

“I did not promote it, I spread it,” Milei told broadcaster TN, adding that it “is a problem between private parties because the State does not play a role here”.

“I acted in good faith,” he said.

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Argentina’s federal prosecutor’s office would examine whether Milei engaged in fraud or criminal association or was in breach of his duties when he praised the $LIBRA cryptocurrency on social media Friday evening, according to news reports.

I did not promote it, I spread it
President Javier Milei

The currency’s value soared then crashed, and Milei deleted his blessing hours later, saying he had made a mistake.

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