A who’s who in Argentina’s alleged coverup of the death of Alberto Nisman and the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish center
On Sunday, Jan. 18, the death of Alberto Nisman, the lead prosecutor investigating what is considered to be Argentina’s biggest terrorist attack — the 1994 bombing of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA), which killed 85 and injured hundreds — turned the investigation into a world-wide espionage tale of intrigue.
His mysterious death drove thousands to the streets in protests for justice, halted the proceedings. That is, until recently when on Feb. 13, the office the Attorney General decided to moved forward with the charges.
In an effort to make sense of the case as it unravels, we’ve listed all those involved below.
The Prosecutor:
Alberto Nisman had been investigating the AMIA bombing for the past ten years under a special unit of the Attorney General’s office titled UFI-AMIA (Unidad Fiscal AMIA). His alleged murder / suicide is currently unresolved, but his death has catapulted the investigation onto the international stage.
Nisman was discovered dead in his apartment by a single gunshot to the head on the night before he was to testify before Congress on his findings, just four days after he had filed a 300-page report which included charging members of government with conspiracy to cover up the involvement of Iranian officials in the AMIA bombing. He believed Iran issued the attacked via Lebanon terrorist group, Hezbollah.

The Allegedly Accused:
Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, Current President of Argentina. Upon learning of the death of Nisman, Kircnher took to her website and social media to make statements that she believed Nisman committed “suicide.” As details unfolded, she changed her mind and said his death “was not a suicide.” She, along side other government officials, are being charged with conspiracy to cover up the involvement of Iranian officials in the bombing in exchange of Argentine grain for Iranian oil. Kirchner has denied all charges.
Update: On Thursday, Feb. 26, Federal Judge Daniel Rafecas dismmised the criminal charges against Kirchner citing the case did not meet the “minimum conditions” to warrant further investigation.

Hector Timmerman, Foreign Minister of Argentina. On Thursday, Jan. 15, Timmerman presented a 2013 letter sent to Interpol’s Secretary General Ronald Noble which underlines Iran’s agreement to investigate the 1994 bombing. The agreement included Interpol not lifting the “red alerts” of previously issued arrest warrants for Iranian officials (names below) involved in the bombing. He denied all accusations.

Andres Larroque, Congressman, co-founder of La Campora, a political youth camp focused on Kirchner ideologies.

Jorge Alejandro “Yussuf” Khalil, alleged Iranian Spy. Khalil would have been 19 at the time of the ’94 attack and describes himself as a community leader. He and his parents are Argentinean born of Lebanese decent. Charges include being a spy of Iran with close connections to Iranian official in question, Mohsen Rabbani. He denies all charges.

Hector Luis Yrimia, former Attorney General of Argentina, denies all charges.

Luis D’Elía, union leader, former government official.

Fernando Esteche, leader of the Quebracho (Revolutionary Patriotic Movement).

Ramon “Alan” Hector Bogado, self-identified Argentine spy of SIDE (Secretariat of Intelligence). SIDE has denied his status as a spy.

The Office of the Attorney General
Gerrardo Pollicita. On Friday, Feb. 13, federal prosecutor Pollicita, of the Public Ministry of Argentina, a special branch of the office of the Attorney General, moved forward with Nisman’s investigation to indict various members of the Argentine government for the alleged coverup. He petitioned Federal Judge Daniel Rafecas to officially indict Argentine government officials and those involved with conspiracy to cover up Iranian involvement of the ’94 bombing. In addition, he is seeking to bring to justice the Iranian officials at large.

Judge Daniel Rafecas, judge overseeing charges brought before him by Pollicita. He will be making the decision on officially indicating the accused.

Alejandra Gils Carb, Attorney General of Argentina. Upon learning of Nisman’s death she said, “We have a mandate to seek out the truth.” She has appointed a team of three prosecutors and one overseeing coordinator to continue Nisman’s investigation under UFI-AMIA. To be clear, Pollicita presented the charges to indict, but the new team will be taking over Nisman’s investigation.

(L-R) Roberto Salum, Sabrina Namer, Patricio Sabadini are the three prosecutors appointed to the case. Juan Murray is the overseeing coordinator.

The Iranians in Question
Nisman officially accused Iran of being involved in the AMIA bombing in 2006, and Interpol released the names of the six issued “red alerts” in 2007. Iran has denied any and all charges having to do with the AMIA attack.
Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, President of Iran in 1994 and current Chairman of Expediency Discernment Council of Iran.

Ali Akbar Velayati, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran from 1981–1997, ran for president in 2013 and lost. Current head of Iranian think tank, Center for Strategic Research.

Ali Fallahijan, former Minister of Intelligence of Iran from 1989 to 1997. He ran for president in 2001 and lost. His nomination for president in 2013 was rejected. Currently on Interpol’s wanted list.

Mohsen Rezai, former Chief Commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from 1981–1997. Ran for president in 2005 and removed himself from the ballot two days before the election, ran again in 2009 and 2013 and lost both times.

Ahmad Vahidi, former head of the Quds Force, special unit of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps responsible for operations outside of Iran. He was the commandaer of the Quds Force during the ’94 AMIA bombing. From 2009–2013, Vahidi served as the Iraninan Minister of Defense and is currently on Interpol’s wanted list.

Mohsen Rabbani, former Iranian cultural attaché in Argentina. Currently on Interpol’s wanted list.

Ahmad Reza Asghari, former third secretary of the Iranian embassy. Currently on Interpol’s wanted list.

Hadi Soleimpanpour, (other spelling: Soleimanpour) former Iranian ambassador to Argentina. He was captured by the United Kingdom in August of 2003 due to an arrest warrant issued by Judge Juan Jose for his alleged involvement in the AMIA bombing. He was released on US $1.1m bail a month later. He has denied all charges.

Imad Fayez Mughniyah, Hezbollah Head of Security, not mentioned in new indictments because he died on Feb. 12, 2008.

Early Investigations
In 2008, Nisman also asked for the detention of former President of Argentina, Carlos Menem and Judge Juan Jose Galeano.
Carlos Menem, former President of Argentina was officially charged in 2012 and ordered to stand trial for obstruction of justice for the AMIA bombing as well as covering up details of Iran’s and Hezbolla’s involvement. No trial date was set. On June 13, 2013, he was found guilty of smuggling weapons into Ecuador and Croatia but his position as Senator gave him immunity.

Federal Judge Juan Jose Galeano made several attempts to find answers to the 1994 bombing, but he did so while allegedly tampering with evidence and participating in bribery. He issued arrest warrants for 12 Iranians and heavily pursued what was then called the “local connection” of suspects which included the Buenos Aires Provincial Police. All suspects were released. He was removed from the case in 2003 and impeached from his position in 2005.

Nestor Kirchner, former President of Argentina. Kirchner called the failed investigation a “national disgrace” and in 2005 formed a special unit under the Attorney General’s office called “UFI-AMIA” (Unidad Fiscal AMIA) to focus on the case. He also issued a national decree formally accepting a share of the blame for the botched investigation.

Others Involved in Nisman’s Death
Diego Lagomarsino, an IT specialist working with Nisman was the last person to see him alive. He gave Nisman the gun that was found by his body because he said Nisman was in fear of his life. He has been cooporating with authorities, is not allowed to leave Argentina and was recently fired from his position with the prosecutors office.

Antonio Stiusso (other name: Jaime Stiusso), is the informant who gave Nisman information. He is the former head of Argentina’s Intelligence Secretrariat (SI, formally known as SIDE) who worked with both President Cristina Kirchner and her late husband, president Nestor Kirchner. Kircher has repeatedly said that Stiusso was “the spy that is not a spy” and claims that he fed Nisman lies in an effort to defame her. On Jan. 27, she dissolved the Intelligence Secretariat and created the new Federal Intelligence Agency.

Viviana Fein is the prosecutor investigating Nisman’s death. Upon arriving at Nisman’s apartment the day he was found dead, she told Security Secretary Sergio Berni, that he needed to leave as his presence at the scene was inappropriate.

Damian Pachter, is the journalist who broke the story of Nisman’s death and fled the country in fear for his life. He now resides in Israel.

Sergio Berni, Security Secretary of Argentina was quick to tell the press that all the signs pointed to suicide, which was repeated and later retracted by President Kirchner.

Natalia Fernández, a waitress and witness at the scene told newspapers of the sloppy work she saw investigators doing at Nisman’s apartment. She testified and recanted her story to Viviana Fein on Feb. 20.

At this time, no suspects ever accused have been found guilty. As the case continues to unravel and more evidence comes to light, we will be updating this report.