Argentina President's Cellphone Under Forensic Investigation in Meme Coin Scandal

In a pivotal turn of events, Argentina's judiciary has granted authorization for a profound forensic investigation into President Javier Milei’s cellphone as authorities seek to uncover communications tied to the creation and promotion of the controversial meme cryptocurrency, Libra (LIBRA). The inquiry is set to unravel whether the president engaged in key exchanges with notable figures during the coin’s inception.

With the investigation extending beyond just President Milei, scrutiny has also enveloped his inner circle, including his chief of staff Karina Milei, former Securities Commission advisor Sergio Morales, and close allies. This broad reach underscores the seriousness and expansive scope of the case.

Comprehensive Review of Communications and Deleted Digital Evidence

Federal Prosecutor Eduardo Taiano has detailed plans to meticulously analyze all data from President Milei’s devices, including text messages, call logs, emails, photographs, and social media exchanges, spanning platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn. All 13 phone numbers connected to the president are under review.

Particular attention is focused on two distinct timeframes tied to significant developments in the Libra coin's launch: July 12–19 of last year and February 13–16 of the current year. These dates are believed to coincide with the token's planning and promotional activities.

Additionally, the investigation reaches into Milei’s potential communications with key cryptocurrency figures who were instrumental in promoting Libra. Notable individuals include Hayden Mark Davis, Mauricio Novelli, Manuel Terones Godoy, and major influencers in the blockchain ecosystem, such as Sebastian Serrano (co-founder of Ripio), Julian Pe (CEO of Kip Protocol), Charles Hoskinson (founder of Cardano), and Bartosz Lipinski (CEO of Cube Exchange).

Prosecutors are using forensic methods to search for keywords often linked to financial misconduct in the crypto space, including “meme coin,” “token,” “$libra,” “rug pull,” “pump and dump,” “insider,” “sniper,” and “binance.” Investigators are also examining whether crypto wallet apps like Phantom and Solflare were installed on Milei’s cellphone or linked accounts, with additional efforts underway to retrieve potentially deleted files or content.

The Fallout of a Tweet: From a $4 Billion High to Legal Chaos

The origins of this escalating controversy trace back to February, when President Milei posted a tweet endorsing the Libra meme coin. The post sparked an immediate surge in Libra's market capitalization, propelling it to exceed $4 billion. However, the seemingly euphoric rise was followed by a dramatic collapse, as internal stakeholders reportedly sold off over $100 million, sparking accusations of a “rug pull”—a deceptive scheme in which creators inflate a token's value before abruptly cashing out, leaving investors reeling.

Public backlash intensified as angered investors accused Milei of knowingly or negligently enabling the loss of millions. Though he later deleted the tweet and claimed it was merely a casual share, denying ties to any official promotion, the damage was done. Calling the incident “a slap in the face,” Milei's explanations failed to temper the outrage or halt ensuing investigations.

While the controversy prompted immediate civil action in the United States, where the Burwick Law Firm has launched a class-action lawsuit on behalf of defrauded investors, Argentina has also initiated criminal and Congressional probes to determine Milei's involvement.

Cryptocurrency, Politics, and Legal Consequences

The interweaving of cryptocurrency controversies and political figures has led to an unusually complex and contentious matter, resonating far beyond Argentina's borders. Legal scholars and observers warn that the forthcoming results of the forensic investigation into President Milei’s cellphone could have critical repercussions—both for the president’s administration and for the broader cryptocurrency industry’s standing in South America.

With the analysis now cleared to proceed, large-scale ramifications are expected as investigators prepare to unveil the nature of Milei’s involvement. Whether accidental or complicit, the findings could dramatically impact Argentina’s crypto governance framework and further polarize public opinion in the fledgling era of political-crypto entanglements.

As the probe unfolds, its growing geopolitical and financial implications stand as a powerful reminder of the high stakes involved when public leaders and decentralized currencies intersect, leaving the outcome uncertain but undeniably significant for the future of both the Argentine government and the global crypto landscape.