Fraud Investigation Formalized Against Woman Accused of Exploiting Partner’s Grandparents for Bank Loans

The judicial office of Sarmiento formalized an investigation into Celeste Fernanda Soto Assin, 35, accused of defrauding her partner’s grandparents by obtaining unauthorized bank loans, according to a report by the Fiscalía. The case, which began with a hearing on Thursday in Sarmiento’s courtroom No. 1, involves allegations that Soto accessed victims’ personal and biometric data to manipulate Banco Nación’s home banking services.

What are the charges against Soto?

Soto faces charges of fraud and unauthorized access to financial systems, as detailed by the Fiscalía. According to prosecutors, she exploited her relationship with the victims to gain access to their data, creating fake banking transactions and securing loans without their consent. The first alleged incident occurred on October 30, 2025, when Soto reportedly applied for a loan under the name of her partner’s grandmother. The victim later received notifications about 48 installments tied to the loan, according to the Fiscalía’s investigation.

How did the fraud unfold?

The investigation reveals Soto used the victims’ personal information to initiate transactions via Banco Nación’s mobile banking app. In November 2025, she transferred 1.0 million pesos and 1.462.5 million pesos into her own digital wallet, totaling 2.462.5 million pesos. The funds were partially used for phone services and purchases, prosecutors stated. A second victim, the grandfather of her partner, was allegedly targeted with a 640,000-peso loan, which Soto immediately transferred to her account.

What legal actions have been taken?

Judge Ariel Quiroga approved the Fiscalía’s request to formalize the investigation, setting a six-month deadline for the prosecution to conclude its inquiry. The defense, represented by Claudia Isabel Jones, did not challenge the formalization but proposed an alternative resolution, suggesting Soto could repay the victims in a single payment. The Fiscalía, however, maintained its stance on the legal process.

Why does this case matter?

The case highlights vulnerabilities in digital banking security and the risks of personal data misuse. Banco Nación has not publicly commented on the allegations, but the incident underscores the growing need for stricter verification processes in financial institutions. Similar cases in Argentina have led to calls for enhanced consumer protections, according to a 2023 report by the Central Bank of Argentina.

What happens next?

The investigation will now focus on verifying the extent of the fraud and determining the full scope of the victims’ losses. If convicted, Soto could face penalties under Argentina’s Penal Code for fraud and unauthorized data use. The case also raises questions about the role of digital platforms in preventing such crimes, as noted by legal experts in a 2024 study published by the Universidad de Buenos Aires.