The Bío Bío Regional Government (GORE) has opened an administrative summary against Tania Aguilera, the head of its Administration and Finance Division, following allegations that she frequented a casino while holding a position that manages public funds.
Under Chilean law, public and municipal officials entrusted with the custody of public money are strictly prohibited from participating in games of chance. The investigation stems from a report covering the period between January 2024 and June 2025, which identified public servants who breached these regulations.
Juan Pablo Besser, the acting governor of Bío Bío, confirmed the regional government received an official notice from the Comptroller’s Office regarding a staff member who visited a casino in violation of the law. "We took note based on a letter from the Comptroller regarding a regional government official who allegedly went to a casino, despite having a prohibition to do so," Besser stated.
Internal investigation underway
The inquiry, which began last week, aims to determine whether the gambling activity occurred after Aguilera assumed her role as head of finance on January 6. According to the investigation, the official allegedly conducted transactions totaling approximately 390,000 pesos.
Regional councilors have demanded clarity as the process moves forward. Luis Santibáñez, a regional councilor, emphasized the need for due process while awaiting the internal findings. "It is a process in development, and I hope it concludes with the greatest public transparency possible," Santibáñez said.
Other officials have taken a more critical stance. Marcelo Rivera, also a regional councilor, noted the severity of the allegations given Aguilera’s position of trust under Governor Sergio Giacaman’s administration. "This case is particularly serious because it involves the person in charge of managing the Regional Government's resources," Rivera said.
Rivera argued that the regional leadership must pursue the case to its final consequences, noting that he would have already moved to dismiss the official if he were in the governor's position. The government's formal investigation remains the primary vehicle for determining whether professional disciplinary action or termination is warranted.
