Massive Fraud: 25,000 Chilean Officials on Sick Leave Caught Traveling Abroad

Thousands of Chilean Public Officials Under Investigation for Fraudulent Medical Leaves Chile is grappling with a major scandal involving thousands of public officials. An investigation by the Contraloría General de la República uncovered that approximately 25,000 officials on sick leave traveled internationally between 2023 and 2024. This revelation has sparked outrage and calls for severe sanctions. "This is one of the biggest frauds in Chilean history," stated lawyer Claudio Valdivia in a recent interview. The scale of the deception is immense, affecting 777 public offices, including ministries, services, and municipalities. 6,600 administrative inquiries have been opened, and 1,100 public officials have already resigned. President Gabriel Boric has demanded the strictest possible penalties, including dismissal, for those involved. The Ministry of Health has also requested thorough investigations into all relevant cases. The scandal highlights not only the financial implications but also the erosion of public trust in government institutions. The ongoing investigations aim to ensure accountability and restore public confidence.