A former banker joined the fast-growing roster of corrupt soccer officials and businessman embroiled in the massive FIFA pay-off scandal.
Jorge Luis Arzuaga, 56, pleaded guilty Thursday in Brooklyn federal court to participating in an international money laundering conspiracy that secretly sent money from an Argentinian sports marketing business and its principal to the former head of Argentina’s soccer federation.
When the soccer big, Julio Grondona, died in 2014, Arzuaga said he kept making payments to Grondona’s heirs.
Prosecutors said Arzuaga, who worked at two Swiss banks, facilitated more than $25 million in bribes.
Arzuaga — who struck a cooperation agreement with the feds — said he knew he was transmitting bribes from Alejandro Burzaco and his company, Torneos y Competencias S.A., so the company could win favorable contracts on soccer events.
The bribe-enabling banker told Brooklyn Federal Judge Pamela Chen he knew what he did was wrong. “I deeply regret what I did. I am ashamed.”
He will forfeit over $1 million — reflecting his cut for his money-laundering handiwork.
Prosecutors have now secured 24 guilty pleas in the FIFA case, including Burzaco and Torneos y Competencias S.A. Three men are still heading for trial in November.
“By facilitating the flow of bribe money through the Swiss and American banking systems,” Acting Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Bridget Rohde said Arzuaga “provided a critical service to those involved in corruption in international soccer.”
Arzuaga is out on $1.5 million bond and is scheduled to be sentenced in January 2018.
He and his lawyers declined to comment outside court.
