The Tim Ballard Scandal in Argentina is Only Just Beginning

Marcos Salgado

The relationship between former CIA agent Tim Ballard and the far-right Argentine government of Javier Milei has unleashed a major political scandal in Argentina—which, in fact, seems only to be starting. Here is a quick overview of the scandal, the individual in question, and his ties across the region.

Ballard, a former CIA agent who promotes himself as an activist against child trafficking, arrived in Argentina with support from conservative American sectors and contacts with local figures. A recorded video showed Argentina’s Minister of Justice, Mariano Cúneo Libarona, offering to “connect Ballard with journalists” and arrange access to judges and lawmakers to improve his image. This is particularly notable as Ballard faces multiple allegations of sexual abuse in the United States.

The scandal broke out when the video of that meeting was leaked. Official sources confirmed it was an “official meeting.” The Justice Minister offered to “help him clean up his image” and even “design a law tailored” for Ballard’s cause.

A Relationship That Is Not New

Beyond the meeting itself, what cannot be denied is this controversial character’s ties to Milei’s government. Various social and political sectors question the privileged access Ballard had to security operations in Argentina, without formal authorization.

Ballard, for instance, participated in operations related to the disappearance of Loan Peña, a 5-year-old boy in the province of Corrientes. Previously, he had taken part in police operations in Buenos Aires province, always in cases related to trafficking. Later, Argentina’s Attorney General formalized his connection through an agreement with the organization Aerial Recovery, where Ballard works.

Officials and experts have warned about the risks of institutionalizing Ballard’s agenda, criticizing “paramilitary methods imported from the United States.” The opposition argues that “it is unacceptable to offer favors to such a controversial international figure.”

The government remains silent about the deeper motivations for these ties. Ballard’s presence and the scandal over the meetings have fueled debate about transparency and external influence on official decisions.

Ballard, a Questioned Mormon

Timothy Ballard is 53 years old, the father of nine, and a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He worked as a CIA agent and, according to his account, left his post to dedicate himself to investigating and exposing child abuse and trafficking networks.

In 2013, he founded “Operation Underground Railroad” (OUR), an organization focused on combating child trafficking. His public work—which included alleged rescue operations in Latin America—won him support from celebrities, politicians, and major donors, raising nearly 50 million dollars.

However, Ballard and OUR later faced heavy criticism and accusations. The authenticity of some rescues was called into question, with suggestions that some had been staged for media attention. There were also allegations of illegal fundraising, and a New York Times investigation linked him to accusations of sexual abuse and harassment of women, as well as threats against victims. He was also accused of alleged contacts with child traffickers as part of a scheme to secure more funding.

Ballard and CPAC

Tim Ballard has a direct and visible relationship with CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference), one of the leading forums of American conservative right, regularly attended by influential politicians and figures from social and religious movements.

At recent meetings, for instance, American President Donald Trump, Spanish far-right leader Santiago Abascal, Brazilian Jair Bolsonaro, and—indeed—the new darling of the sector, Argentina’s Javier Milei, have all attended.

Ballard participated in the CPAC edition held in February 2025, sharing venues and activities with Milei and Mexican producer Eduardo Verástegui, the main promoter of the film “Sound of Freedom,” said (by some) to be based on Ballard’s life. The movie, seen by independent critics as reactionary, portrays Ballard as a hero rescuing Latin American children. This epic image, as we have seen, has been seriously called into question by real events.

Rockstar

During the event, Ballard stood out among the guests, being part of the cohort aligned with the international conservative agenda. There are plenty of photos and records of his participation at CPAC alongside Milei, Nancy Ross (financier of Ballard’s operations), and other figures in the circle.

CPAC’s endorsement and Donald Trump’s approval for supporting the film have increased Ballard’s notoriety in conservative North American and Latin American circles, also boosting his political and economic support networks in countries such as Argentina.

That support is now impacted by the video with the Argentine minister, and other scandals have followed, including the undeclared suitcases of CPAC’s local organizer Laura Belén Arrieta.

“Sounds of Freedom” that make a lot of noise—too much noise.

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