Argentina Seizes Assets of Celu Apuestas Founder

An Argentine federal court has formally charged Roberto Javier Zuco, the 54-year-old founder of the iGaming operator Celu Apuestas, and ordered the seizure of his assets worth $4.8 million.

Charges Against Roberto Zuco

As reported by La Nación, Zuco is accused of money laundering and organizing illegal iGaming activities. The court also ordered pretrial detention and imposed an asset freeze of up to 7 billion Argentine pesos.

According to investigators, the illegal operation was run under the Celu Apuestas brand and operated outside government regulation and tax oversight.

Platform Launch and Traffic Channels

Case materials state that in 2020 Zuco launched his own iGaming product using a Curaçao license. Access to betting was provided by invitation through WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, Facebook, and online advertising.

Money Laundering Schemes

The investigation found that betting proceeds were laundered through split deposits across multiple banks to bypass financial monitoring.

Use of Front Persons

Funds were transferred to bank accounts and digital wallets registered to front persons, including relatives, employees, and individuals with no confirmed income. The money was later withdrawn in cash and used for real estate purchases, vehicles, and cryptocurrency investments.

Arrests and Searches

Roberto Zuco was detained on October 15, 2025, in the upscale gated community of Terralagos. At the same time, 18 additional suspects were arrested, and searches were carried out in other private residential complexes.

Cash Suitcase Incident

During the operation, a drone recorded 48-year-old Jorge Valdivia loading a suitcase of cash into a vehicle and attempting to leave the compound. He was intercepted by officers of the National Gendarmerie.

The court placed Valdivia under house arrest and ordered the seizure of assets worth $1.4 million. Valdivia claimed that the money had allegedly been won at a casino in Mar del Plata.

Seized Assets and Investigation Status

Search operations resulted in the seizure of 60 vehicles, $103,000 in cash, 40 computers, digital storage devices, mobile phones, documentation, three firearms, and 12 kilograms of marijuana.

Fugitive Suspects

Investigators stated that the group operated in an organized manner with clearly defined roles. 19 suspects are currently still at large.