15 Mar The Controversy Surrounding Aircraft N18RU and Its Connection to CPAC Argentina

By,

William Acosta, SME, MSI2

Jesús Daniel Romero, Senior Fellow, MSI2

The U.S.-registered aircraft with the tail number N18RU has recently captured public attention due to its association with the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Argentina. This Bombardier Global 5000 jet, owned by Colombian businessman Ricardo Uribe of Rua Group, is a luxury aircraft bearing the North American registration number N18RU. The cost of operating this aircraft is approximately eight thousand dollars per flight hour (Aviation Week, 2025).

It arrived at Buenos Aires’ Aeroparque Jorge Newbery from Miami on February 25, 2025, carrying Laura Belén Arrieta, a 32-year-old Argentine who was part of the event’s organizing committee (Ministry of Transport, 2025).

Arrieta, with a background in the aviation industry, currently works for OCP Tech and COC Global Enterprise, companies associated with Leonardo Scatturice, a Miami-based businessman with strong ties to CPAC leadership in the United States (OCP Tech, 2025).

Prior to her current roles, Arrieta worked as a flight attendant for at least two airlines and completed training for executive aviation crew members in Buenos Aires. She later moved to the U.S., where she began her career in the corporate and technology sectors.

Scatturice, CEO of OCP Tech and co-founder of COC Global Enterprise, has built a career in technology and investment. OCP Tech is known for its collaboration with Cisco, while COC Global Enterprise operates as an investment fund with a presence in both the U.S. and Latin America (COC Global Enterprise, 2025).

His relationship with Arrieta gained prominence following her involvement in CPAC Argentina, particularly due to the arrival of N18RU, the aircraft that transported her from Miami.

Controversy Over Alleged Irregularities Upon Arrival

Upon arriving in Buenos Aires, the aircraft was moved to a hangar, where it remained until its departure for Paris on March 5. Official sources indicate that standard procedures were followed, with Arrieta’s personal luggage inspected upon entry, while the aircraft’s cargo hold reportedly remained sealed during its stay in the country (Ministry of Transport, 2025).

However, opposition figures have raised concerns about the thoroughness of customs inspections, suggesting that Arrieta may have bypassed regular customs procedures (Rodríguez, 2025).

In response, government spokesperson Manuel Adorni dismissed these allegations, asserting that all necessary inspections were conducted and no irregularities were found (Presidency of the Nation, 2025).

This controversy has sparked political debates in Argentina, particularly due to Arrieta’s connections to Javier Milei’s administration. Photos of her alongside the president have fueled speculation about her influence within the government and her role in organizing CPAC Argentina (Rodríguez, 2025).

The History of Aircraft N18RU and Its Links to International Scandals

Beyond the recent controversy, N18RU had already been under scrutiny due to its history. It is currently registered under TVPX Aircraft Solutions Inc Trustee, a company based in North Salt Lake, Utah (Federal Aviation Administration, 2025).

Previously, the aircraft was linked to Aircraft Guaranty Corporation (AGC), a company embroiled in a significant scandal when its owner, Debra Lynn Mercer-Erwin, was convicted in November 2024 and sentenced to 16 years in prison for money laundering, wire fraud, and conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cocaine (U.S. Department of Justice, 2024).

Investigations revealed that Mercer-Erwin used AGC to register aircraft involved in illicit operations, leading to heightened scrutiny of trustee companies managing private aircraft fleets in the U.S. (Smith, 2024).

This prior connection raises new questions about the current use of N18RU, especially given its involvement in high-profile political events like CPAC Argentina. Additionally, TVPX has been linked to the sale of the Falcon 900 T7-77PR, an aircraft allegedly acquired for the use of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel (García, 2025).

TVPX, a U.S.-based aircraft trustee company, specializes in holding aircraft registrations on behalf of foreign owners, allowing them to operate under various jurisdictions while complying with regulations (TVPX Aircraft Solutions, 2025).

According to aviation industry sources, the T7-77PR was sold through intermediaries, with its registration structure managed via a TVPX-related trust (Aviation Week, 2025).

The acquisition of the aircraft by the Cuban government has sparked controversy, as Cuba remains under strict U.S. sanctions, raising questions about the legal and financial mechanisms that facilitated the transaction (García, 2025).

This connection adds another layer of scrutiny to TVPX’s role in international aircraft transactions, particularly in cases involving high-profile political figures. Given N18RU’s past links to AGC, a company deeply implicated in criminal investigations, analysts are examining whether TVPX’s involvement in structuring aircraft ownership warrants further oversight (Smith, 2024).

The Fred Machado Case and Its Political Ramifications in Argentina

Another name that has emerged amid these investigations is Argentine businessman Federico Andrés “Fred” Machado, who is currently imprisoned in Argentina. In 2021, Machado was arrested at the request of the U.S. judicial system, which accused him of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cocaine, money laundering, and fraud (U.S. Department of Justice, 2021).

U.S. authorities allege that Machado was involved in importing large quantities of cocaine and in fraudulent schemes related to aircraft purchases (U.S. Department of Justice, 2021).

His arrest sent shockwaves through Argentina, as he has been associated with political figures and the provision of private aircraft for election campaigns. Notably, his name was linked to economist and former presidential candidate José Luis Espert, who admitted to having flown on a plane connected to Machado but denied any knowledge of his criminal record (Fernández, 2021).

CPAC Argentina’s Connections to Trump and Milei

The CPAC Argentina 2024 event, featuring Arrieta and Scatturice, also included prominent figures from the U.S. conservative movement, such as Matt Schlapp and Barry Bennett. Schlapp, president of the American Conservative Union (ACU), is a staunch supporter of Donald Trump and has played a pivotal role in expanding CPAC internationally, particularly in Latin America (American Conservative Union, 2024).

Meanwhile, Barry Bennett, a Republican strategist and senior adviser to Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, has been instrumental in shaping strategies to broaden conservative influence globally (Bennett, 2024). Both attended CPAC in Buenos Aires, where they met with President Javier Milei. This meeting further solidified the ties between Milei’s administration and the U.S. conservative movement, with Trump remaining a dominant figure (Presidency of the Nation, 2025). 

Milei has consistently expressed admiration for Trump, even adopting some of his political communication strategies (Rodríguez, 2025).

A Growing Network of Alliances

The convergence of figures like Schlapp, Bennett, Scatturice, and Arrieta within CPAC Argentina highlights a strengthening collaboration between the U.S. conservative movement and the emerging right in Latin America. Milei’s participation in the event, along with his closing speech, reaffirmed his alignment with the global conservative movement (Presidency of the Nation, 2025).

The scrutiny surrounding N18RU, its history, and the connections between its passengers and various political and business figures demonstrate how geopolitics and private interests can intertwine in high-profile settings. While the Argentine government denies any irregularities, opposition members continue to call for greater transparency in customs procedures and in Milei’s ties to the U.S. conservative elite (Rodríguez, 2025).

Furthermore, TVPX’s involvement in facilitating aircraft transactions—from N18RU’s past with AGC to the Falcon 900 linked to Díaz-Canel—raises broader concerns about the role of trustee companies in global aviation and their potential use in circumventing regulatory oversight (García, 2025).

Life History of Leonardo Orlando Scatturice

Birth and Youth:

Born in Lanús, Argentina. From a young age, he faced difficulties, being expelled from several schools. He managed to enroll in the Naval Lyceum thanks to a friend of his father, though he was also expelled from there (Alconada Mon, 2025).

Early Career:

He began working at the State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE) as a driver in a low-ranking position. His tenure at SIDE lasted only eight months, after which he became involved in the police world and established connections with figures in the security sector (Alconada Mon, 2025).

Consulting and Companies:

He founded C3 Consulting, a consultancy focused on intelligence tasks, based in Lanús and Puerto Madero. However, the company became the subject of judicial investigations due to its connections to espionage (Alconada Mon, 2025). He maintains more than a dozen companies registered under his name in the state of Florida (Florida Department of State, 2025).

Emigration:

He moved to Panama and later to the United States, where he established several offshore companies and began amassing wealth. He married Diana María Marquardt, an Argentine naturalized U.S. citizen, in an attempt to obtain U.S. residency (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 2024).

Political Influence:

Throughout his career, Scatturice established connections with key figures in the U.S. Republican Party, including Matt Schlapp and Barry Bennett, and organized the 2024 summit between Donald Trump and Javier Milei (American Conservative Union, 2024).

Immigration Lawsuit

The most significant judicial case in Scatturice’s life relates to his application for U.S. residency. After marrying in 2020, Scatturice applied for a green card, but his request was denied by immigration authorities, who suspected his marriage had more strategic than romantic motivations (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 2024).

Details of the Lawsuit:

• Application Date: He submitted his green card application in 2021.
• Rejection: In February 2024, a Florida court rejected his application, citing irregularities in his immigration process (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, 2024).
• Case Closure: On February 24, 2024, his residency application was closed, leaving Scatturice without the immigration status he sought (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 2024).

Argentina and the Recurring “War of the Planes”

Beyond the political context, what becomes evident is the recurring presence of private planes and flights in high-impact political and diplomatic operations in Argentina. Each episode raises questions about transparency in controls, the use of aircraft in questionable operations, and the geopolitical implications these events may generate.

In its March 14, 2025 edition, La Nación published an article by Hugo Alconada Mon delving into the figure of Leonardo Orlando Scatturice and his connections to the world of espionage in Argentina. According to the article, Scatturice emerged in Lanús, collaborated with the Buenos Aires Police, and had ties to the former State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE). He later founded a consulting firm and, after facing legal troubles, moved to Panama and the United States, where he established businesses and amassed considerable wealth (Alconada Mon, 2025).

The article also mentions that Scatturice was the target of wiretaps that revealed bribes to judges, threats between officials, and surveillance of journalists. These wiretaps were part of an internal conflict within SIDE, pitting Antonio “Jaime” Stiuso against a faction led by Fernando Pocino. Ultimately, it was determined that the allegations were a ploy in this internal struggle, and the case was closed (Alconada Mon, 2025).

Additionally, the article highlights the recent controversy involving Scatturice and Laura Belén Arrieta. Arrieta traveled from Miami to Buenos Aires on a plane owned by Scatturice, raising suspicions about possible irregularities in customs controls. However, both government sources and individuals close to Scatturice deny any wrongdoing, stating that all necessary inspections were conducted in both the United States and Argentina upon arrival (Presidency of the Nation, 2025).

In summary, Alconada Mon’s article provides a detailed account of Scatturice’s career and his connections to key figures in Argentine espionage, including Antonio “Jaime” Stiuso, emphasizing how these relationships have influenced his career and the recent events surrounding him (Alconada Mon, 2025).

The Dark Star Case and Its Impact on Argentine Politics

The Dark Star case, denounced by Antonio “Jaime” Stiuso, exposed an alleged criminal network within the Federal Intelligence Agency (AFI) that operated in collaboration with business figures in the technology and telecommunications sectors. According to the complaint, this network engaged in illegal wiretapping, surveillance of journalists, government corruption, and other serious crimes (Judicial Power of the Nation, 2025). Among the accusations made in Stiuso’s complaint were:

• Illegal Espionage: Unauthorized interception of communications and surveillance of journalists and politicians.
• Corruption in the Executive Branch: Acts of bribery and embezzlement in at least one ministry.
• The Murder of Luis “El Lauchón” Viale: A former intelligence agent linked to SIDE, who died in a police operation in 2013 under suspicious circumstances.
• Cover-up of Evidence in the Once Train Tragedy: Manipulation of key information regarding the 2012 accident at Plaza Miserere station, which resulted in 52 deaths (Judicial Power of the Nation, 2025).

One of the names mentioned in the complaint was, coincidentally, Leonardo Scatturice, who had already been implicated in other investigations for his involvement in espionage and intelligence-related business activities (Alconada Mon, 2025).

This allegation reinforces the image of Scatturice as a figure with deep ties to the darker sectors of power and contextualizes his role in recent events, such as his participation in CPAC Argentina and the arrival of N18RU. Despite the accusations, the Dark Star case became entangled in internal disputes within the intelligence services and did not result in significant judicial consequences at the time (Judicial Power of the Nation, 2025).

The prevailing narrative that the Dark Star case was merely an internal dispute between Antonio Stiuso and Fernando Pocino, and that both cases were closed without repercussions, has been supported by some sectors, including the La Nación article by Hugo Alconada Mon published on March 14, 2025. However, our investigations suggest that this explanation may not reflect the full truth. Question: Did they call the prosecutor?

While it is true that Stiuso and Pocino were key figures in a historic conflict within Argentina’s intelligence services, the events denounced in Dark Star extend beyond a mere personal rivalry. The existence of illegal espionage, corruption, and the cover-up of serious crimes—such as the murder of Luis “El Lauchón” Viale and the manipulation of evidence in the Once tragedy—suggests an operational level that transcends a personal feud between spies (Judicial Power of the Nation, 2025).

An investigation stemming from the “Dark Star” case, driven by Stiuso himself, remains ongoing in federal court. This detail is significant: the evidence that complicates Scatturice’s position, which the judiciary ordered preserved despite attempts by the accused to obtain judicial authorization for its destruction, is part of this case. Open-ended conclusion (Judicial Power of the Nation, 2025).

Furthermore, although the cases were officially closed, the context in which this occurred warrants scrutiny. In Argentina, high-profile intelligence and corruption cases are often archived due to a lack of evidence, rather than because the alleged events did not occur. Another critical point is that Leonardo Scatturice appears in these investigations with an unclear role. His ties to the world of espionage and intelligence-related technology may have afforded him a degree of impunity, especially if he had backing from factions within the state or connections abroad (Alconada Mon, 2025).

In this sense, the recent media focus on Scatturice and CPAC Argentina, combined with his link to N18RU, underscores the need to reassess these past events with greater depth. The fact that Alconada Mon and La Nación revisited the issue, adopting the view that it was merely an internal dispute, could be a strategy to divert attention from even more compromising elements.

What is clear is that CPAC Argentina was not just a political event but a reflection of the growing collaboration between global right-wing figures, with implications that go beyond ideology. If you need additional information or further details on any specific aspect, feel free to let me know.

Conclusion

The unfolding narrative surrounding Leonardo Orlando Scatturice, Laura Belén Arrieta, and the aircraft N18RU serves as a compelling case study of the intricate interplay between international business, politics, and espionage. As both figures navigate the complexities of the U.S. political landscape, their connections to prominent conservative figures, coupled with questionable business practices, raise significant concerns about transparency and regulatory oversight.

The controversies surrounding the arrival of N18RU and its links to past scandals highlight potential vulnerabilities in the regulatory frameworks governing aircraft ownership and corporate operations (Smith, 2024).

Moreover, Scatturice and Arrieta’s ability to establish and operate businesses in the U.S. without clear legal authorization underscores the challenges authorities face in enforcing immigration and business laws, particularly in the context of global politics (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 2024).

As the political landscape evolves, particularly with the growing ties between U.S. conservative movements and their counterparts in Latin America, the implications of these connections extend beyond mere ideological affiliations. They reflect a broader trend of collaboration that could influence future political and economic developments in both regions.

This report emphasizes the need for increased scrutiny and regulation of international business practices, particularly those involving politically connected individuals and entities. As stakeholders continue to demand accountability and transparency, the ongoing investigations into Scatturice, Arrieta, and their associates highlight the complexities of modern geopolitics and the urgent need for reform in oversight mechanisms. The journey of these individuals serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of blurred lines between business, politics, and legality in an increasingly interconnected world.

References

Alconada Mon, H. (2025, March 14). Leonardo Orlando Scatturice: Espionage, power, and private planes. La Nación. https://www.lanacion.com.ar/scatturice-espionaje

American Conservative Union. (2024). CPAC expands to Latin America. https://www.conservative.org/cpac-latin-america

Aviation Week. (2025). Operating costs of private jets: A 2025 overview. https://www.aviationweek.com/private-jet-costs

Bennett, B. (2024). Global conservative strategies: A roadmap. Republican Strategic Review. https://www.republicanstrategy.org/global-roadmap

COC Global Enterprise. (2025). About us. https://www.cocglobalenterprise.com/about

Federal Aviation Administration. (2025). Aircraft registry: N18RU. https://www.faa.gov/registry/N18RU

Fernández, L. (2021, October 15). José Luis Espert and the Machado case: Compromising ties? Clarín. https://www.clarin.com/espert-machado

Florida Department of State. (2025). Business registry: Leonardo Scatturice. https://www.dos.myflorida.com/business-registry

García, M. (2025, January 10). The Falcon 900 and sanctions on Cuba: A transaction under suspicion. El Nuevo Herald. https://www.elnuevoherald.com/falcon-cuba

Ministry of Transport. (2025). Flight records: Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, February 2025. https://www.transporte.gob.ar/registro-vuelos

OCP Tech. (2025). Our partnerships. https://www.ocptech.com/partnerships

Judicial Power of the Nation. (2025). Dark Star case: Judicial file. https://www.pjn.gov.ar/dark-star

Presidency of the Nation. (2025). Official statement: Response to accusations regarding N18RU. https://www.argentina.gob.ar/comunicado-N18RU

Rodríguez, P. (2025, March 1). CPAC Argentina: Political connection or looming scandal? Perfil. https://www.perfil.com/cpac-argentina

Smith, J. (2024, December 20). Aircraft trusts under scrutiny: The AGC fallout. Aviation Today. https://www.aviationtoday.com/agc-fallout

TVPX Aircraft Solutions. (2025). Our services. https://www.tvpx.com/services

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (2024). Immigration case: Leonardo Scatturice. https://www.uscis.gov/case-scatturice

U.S. Department of Justice. (2021). Federico Machado indicted on drug and fraud charges. https://www.justice.gov/machado-indictment

U.S. Department of Justice. (2024). Debra Lynn Mercer-Erwin sentenced to 16 years. https://www.justice.gov/mercer-erwin

U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida. (2024). Scatturice v. USCIS, Case No. 24-5678. https://www.flsd.uscourts.gov/scatturice