In Isidoro Noblía, a town of just 3,000 residents, an astonishing 8,900 driving licenses were issued over the past three years. This huge number lies at the heart of a major corruption scandal. Local officials are accused of selling these vital documents. This week, the investigation brought serious charges against several key figures, including the town’s former mayor.
Favio Freire, who once led Noblía, is now facing multiple accusations. A court has charged him with criminal association, qualified bribery, and faking public documents. He has been ordered to spend 180 days in preventive prison while the investigation continues. His legal team quickly appealed this decision. Just three days before these developments, Freire had stepped down from his role as director of the Municipal Police.
Freire’s arrest took place on Thursday, along with five other individuals suspected of being involved in the scheme to sell driving licenses in Cerro Largo. Reports indicate he became unwell after his arrest but was formally charged on Friday evening.
This week also saw charges and convictions for others connected to the scandal.
Conviction for a “Collector”
On Friday, a woman described as a “collector” for the scheme received her sentence. She will serve four months in prison, followed by house arrest and probationary freedom until a total of 16 months is completed. Javier Benech, the Director of Communication for the Prosecutor’s Office, shared details of her conviction.
Former Official Faces Charges
Among those charged on Thursday was Elvira del Río, a 71-year-old former official from the Cerro Largo Intendency. Del Río has a varied background; she previously directed the Tourism and Fairs departments and runs a driver’s school. She was also part of a political group within the National Party and is currently retired. Justice has charged her with criminal association and qualified bribery, identifying her as a co-author in the crimes. Due to health reasons, confirmed by a forensic doctor, she was placed under total house arrest for 180 days. She awaits a final sentence as the investigation into her alleged involvement proceeds.
Public Official Implicated
Another person facing charges is a public official from the Isidoro Noblía Mayor’s Office. This official was specifically responsible for overseeing practical driving tests. The prosecutor has accused him of criminal association, qualified bribery, and falsifying public documents. He has been sent to preventive prison for 180 days while inquiries continue.
Further Convictions Revealed
The court also handled two other convictions through an expedited process. One individual, from a different region, confessed to the facts. He received a 12-month prison sentence for criminal association and repeated instances of qualified bribery as a co-author. In a separate case, another man was convicted of acting as a “collector” for people seeking licenses in Noblía. The court proved his role in the scheme. He was given a 16-month probationary sentence, which includes house arrest during night hours and community service.
The unusual number of licenses issued in Isidoro Noblía has certainly drawn attention. This figure clearly signals a widespread problem. Many officials remain under investigation as authorities work to uncover the full extent of this alleged scheme to sell public documents.