Argentine President Linked to $5 Million Libra Token Agreement

New forensic evidence from the phone of crypto lobbyist Mauricio Novelli has unveiled a draft document suggesting a potential $5 million deal related to Argentine President Javier Milei's endorsement of the Libra token. According to Cointelegraph, local media reports indicate that the document was retrieved from Novelli's iPhone during a judicial probe into the Libra crypto scandal. The document outlines a three-part payment plan totaling $5 million. Screenshots of the note emerged after expert materials held by prosecutor Eduardo Taiano since November were disclosed, as reported by Argentine outlet El Destape. The draft note, reportedly written in English on February 11, 2025, just days before Milei's post about the Libra token on X, begins with, "Hello friends, this is the final agreement discussed with H," believed to refer to crypto entrepreneur Hayden Davis. The document details the payment structure: "$1.5M of liquid tokens or cash as an advance. $1.5M in liquid tokens or cash = Milei announces on Twitter that his advisor is Hayden Davis/Kelsier/the Davis family. $2M in tokens or cash = contract signed in person with Milei for blockchain/AI consulting for the Argentine government and/or Javier Milei and review with Javier and Karina." Notably, the draft does not specify the recipient of the funds. Investigators also found another note drafted on February 16, 2025, two days after the Libra controversy erupted online. This message appears to outline a public statement aimed at mitigating the situation. The translated note reads, "This is what I want for the tweet. This is the only thing that saves him, me, and us," expressing support for the Libra project while denying financial involvement and attributing accusations to political adversaries. Authorities believe this message may have been intended for Milei to post on social media or mention in an interview, according to local media. Novelli was reportedly in Dallas during the token's launch, with call records showing communication with Milei and his sister Karina shortly before and after the president's social media post about the token. As the controversy gained traction online, Novelli also engaged in multiple calls with presidential adviser Santiago Caputo while the government managed the crisis. In February last year, Milei's post on X about the Libra (LIBRA) memecoin briefly propelled its market capitalization to $4 billion before it plummeted 94% within hours, erasing hundreds of millions in investor funds and prompting opposition lawmakers to seek Milei's impeachment. Milei later clarified that he merely "spread the word" about the token rather than actively promoting it.