A preliminary criminal investigation is currently underway in Argentina following a complaint filed by a former member concerning her time in Opus Dei. This week, the woman’s attorney announced in the media that he has requested the prosecutors' office that Msgr. Fernando Ocariz, the Prelate of Opus Dei, be summoned for questioning.
The Prelature considers that this request lacks any factual or legal basis and denounces it as part of an ongoing communications campaign aimed at manipulating criminal legal proceedings to generate media hype.
The case seeks deliberately to distort and apply the criminal charge of human trafficking—an accusation entirely unrelated to the facts presented by the complainant and contrary to the reality of Opus Dei. Rather than fulfilling its proper role of investigating wrongdoing and delivering justice, the criminal justice system is being exploited to advance a financial claim, thereby distorting its institutional purpose.
This latest request is based on unfounded assertions and lacks any concrete supporting evidence. Its aim appears to be the expansion of the criminal investigation to include individuals entirely unconnected to the events described by the complainant. It is regrettable that such tactics—distorting legal proceedings to influence media coverage and apply undue pressure on the judicial system—have been used repeatedly. A similar pattern was evident in the recent request to summon Msgr. Mariano Fazio, which was accompanied by a coordinated media campaign.
As previously noted, the dispute began with media allegations concerning the failure to make social security contributions. It then evolved into a civil claim for damages and, in August 2024, was recast as a criminal accusation of human trafficking. In formulating this charge, the vocation freely embraced by assistant numeraries of Opus Dei has been fundamentally misrepresented.
We regret that legal proceedings are being used to promote a false narrative, attributing guilt without any basis in the actual facts. We believe it is essential to uphold the integrity of the legal system, ensuring that all proceedings are carried out impartially, free from external interference, and with full respect for the presumption of innocence.
The Prelature reiterates its rejection of these allegations and remains fully committed to cooperating with the competent legal authorities, confident that the truth will ultimately prevail.
For more complete information on this investigation: Questions and Answers About a Legal Investigation in Argentina