CRYPTO: NYT Says Argentina's Milei Made 7 Calls to LIBRA Promoter on Night of Token Launch

The New York Times reported that Argentine President Javier Milei made seven phone calls with crypto lobbyist Mauricio Novelli on the night he promoted the LIBRA token on X in February 2025. Federal investigators have listed Milei as a person of interest. LIBRA briefly reached a $4.6 billion market capitalization before plunging 90%. A forensic review of Novelli's phone found a draft agreement referencing a $5 million payment tied to Milei's endorsement, records indicating monthly payments to Milei dating back to 2021 that doubled after he became president, and WhatsApp messages that referenced payments to his sister, Karina. Milei's administration later dissolved the investigative task force examining the scandal. A congressional committee concluded Milei provided "essential collaboration" to the project. Blockchain data indicated eight wallets linked to LIBRA cashed out $107 million, while about 114,410 investor wallets recorded losses. Milei denies wrongdoing.