Three days before Javier Milei posted about the Libra memecoin on X, someone drafted a note on a lobbyist’s iPhone.
Forensic analysis of crypto lobbyist Mauricio Novelli‘s phone has surfaced that draft — a document outlining a $5 million payment structure tied to the Argentine president’s promotion of the token, according to local media reports. The note, written in English on Feb. 11, 2025, was recovered during a judicial investigation and made public after expert materials held by prosecutor Eduardo Taiano since November were released.
The text opens: “Hello friends, this is the final agreement discussed with H.” Investigators believe “H” refers to crypto entrepreneur Hayden Davis.
What follows is a precise breakdown. $1.5 million in liquid tokens or cash as an advance. Another $1.5 million contingent on Milei announcing on Twitter that his adviser is Davis, his firm Kelsier, or the Davis family. A final $2 million tied to a contract signed in person with Milei for blockchain and AI consulting services for the Argentine government, with review from both Javier and his sister Karina. The draft does not name who would receive the funds.
Milei posted about Libra on Feb. 14. Within hours, the token hit a $4 billion market capitalization — then lost 94% of its value. The collapse wiped out roughly $250 million from more than 40,000 retail investors. Opposition lawmakers subsequently called for the president’s impeachment. Milei has said he merely “spread the word” about the token rather than promoted it.
A second note, written in the aftermath
Investigators found a separate draft on Novelli’s phone dated Feb. 16, 2025 — two days after the scandal broke publicly. Written in Spanish, the message translates in part: “This is what I want for the tweet. This is the only thing that saves him, me, and us.” The text goes on to express support for the Libra project, deny any financial involvement, and attribute accusations of wrongdoing to political opponents.
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Local media reports say authorities believe the message was prepared for Milei to post on social media or use in an interview as the government managed the fallout.
Novelli’s movements and communications
Novelli was in Dallas during the token’s launch. Call records show he was in contact with both Milei and Karina shortly before and after the president’s post. As the controversy spread, Novelli held multiple calls with presidential adviser Santiago Caputo.
The findings add specificity to a case that has already prompted sweeping asset freezes in Argentina. The draft note’s payment structure, recovered from a lobbyist’s phone and written three days before the post that moved a token to a $4 billion valuation, remains at the center of the investigation.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.
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