The Public Prosecutor’s Office conducted a forensic examination at the Paraguayan Communications Company (Copaco) to investigate the alleged diversion of more than 1.1 billion guaraníes to private accounts. Three employees of the state-owned telecommunications company were charged on suspicion of breach of trust, instigating data alteration and producing inauthentic documents.
The measure was ordered by prosecutors Laura Giacummo and Belinda Bobadilla of the Specialized Economic Crimes and Anti-Corruption Unit (UDEA), a Public Prosecutor’s Office division responsible for investigating corruption and financial crimes. Investigators are examining Copaco’s Financial Administrative System (SAF), access logs and institutional bank accounts.
According to the prosecutors’ charging document, the scheme allegedly began in early 2023 and continued throughout 2024 and 2025. Those involved allegedly used internal credentials to record fictitious payments to the Municipality of Asunción and authorize bank transfers. The funds, however, were allegedly redirected to employees’ and third parties’ accounts.
The investigation describes an internal operation based on altering accounting records and misusing the company’s systems, rather than an external attack. The accusation also mentions transfers without actual support and the uploading of purported municipal invoices to give the transactions a regular appearance.
An accounting review conducted in early January 2026 allegedly identified an entry exceeding 843 million guaraníes, linked to 20 purported invoices. The amount drew attention because the installments normally authorized were smaller. After explanations were requested, the entry was allegedly deleted from the system.
Prosecutors’ forensic examinations allegedly recovered digital traces of the deletion, including the user, date and time of the operation. Later, after returning from vacation, the suspects presented a set of 16 physical invoices to justify the transactions. According to the accusation, the documents differed from the deleted records in value, numbering and quantity.
The case is being investigated amid Copaco’s financial difficulties, as the company faces an operating deficit, obligations to the social security system and tax authorities, as well as salary arrears. The state-owned company also allegedly put properties up for sale to meet urgent commitments. In the Public Prosecutor’s Office’s view, the alleged diversion may have worsened the company’s financial position.
The investigation continues within the procedural deadlines. UDEA is examining other bank accounts and computer systems, and the total amount of any eventual loss may still increase. The charges are allegations under investigation and will be examined in court proceedings.