Fernando Cerimedo: From Political Consultant to Alleged Criminal Mastermind
MEXICO CITY — Fernando Cerimedo, 45, once considered the “MAGA man” of Latin America, now finds himself in a maximum-security Bolivian prison. Known for his aggressive social media campaigns promoting right-wing candidates, Cerimedo’s career as a political consultant helped drive Trump-aligned politicians in Argentina and beyond. He gained wealth and influence, alongside the nickname, “Steve Bannon of Latin America,” given by political commentators, referencing the Trump ally.
In a shocking turn of events, Cerimedo faces accusations of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot involving his pregnant mistress, Nadia Beller, 33, a Bolivian lawyer. This dramatic downfall marks a significant blow to his reputation as a leading digital campaign strategist for Latin America’s right wing.
Daniel Matamala, a Chilean journalist, described Cerimedo’s collapse as a stunning hit to the “ecosystem of fake news and disinformation” pervasive in recent times. Security cameras captured the August 17 attack on Beller. Disguised as fast-food deliverymen, one assailant shot her outside a hotel in Santa Cruz. Beller survived by pretending to be dead.
Bolivian authorities arrested Cerimedo as he prepared to board a flight to Buenos Aires. Prosecutors claim he planned the hit to prevent Beller from exposing his alleged criminal behavior and announcing her pregnancy. She had threatened to reveal Cerimedo, a married man, as the unborn child’s father.
Investigations continue into Cerimedo’s alleged illegal enrichment and potential links to cocaine trafficking. He denies all wrongdoing.
Before his arrest, journalists criticized Cerimedo as a prolific fake news creator. Reports showed his exaggerations about affiliations with prestigious U.S. institutions, including claims of attending Harvard and training with U.S. Navy SEALs.
Damian Merlo, a consultant who once worked with Cerimedo, noted Cerimedo’s inability to speak English fluently, despite his attempts to align himself with Trump’s image.
Demonstrating his influence, Cerimedo secured an interview with Tucker Carlson for Argentine President Javier Milei, boosting Milei’s profile internationally. Cerimedo’s association with right-wing figures extended to the “Hispanic Prosperity Gala” at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, where he was recognized as “Hispanic Political Consultant of the Year.”
Cerimedo contributed to successful campaigns for Honduran President Nasry Asfura and Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz. His indirect involvement with Paz’s government and ultimately false claims of being his “chief adviser” highlighted the extent of his subterfuge.
Cerimedo’s political journey began unpredictably, involving various jobs before moving into advertising. He initially supported leftist Peronist candidates in Argentina, but his notoriety grew from promoting fraudulent election narratives in Brazil after Jair Bolsonaro’s defeat.
The exposure in Brazil propelled Cerimedo into notable political circles, working on campaigns across Latin America. However, Chilean lawmakers have since launched investigations into his possible influence in the country’s electoral changes.
Additionally, Javier Negre, his business partner in La Derecha Diario, distanced himself and bought out Cerimedo following his arrest.
In Bolivia, the scandal resembles telenovela drama, with Beller recovering in the hospital, sharing details of Cerimedo’s alleged brutality. Beller claims Cerimedo lured her to the hotel with false information about ex-President Evo Morales.
Cerimedo’s current state is drastically different from his past prominence. He now awaits trial in Chonchocoro, a notorious Bolivian prison. Despite pleas to see his children, Cerimedo remains in custody.
Cerimedo’s legal team opposes the accusations, with defense lawyer Margarita Arce arguing Beller staged the attack. However, Beller insists Cerimedo had motives against her, affirming, “Fernando Cerimedo wanted to kill me because I can tell everything that I know.”
Contributors Ana Ceballos, Andrés D’Alessandro, and Cecilia Sánchez Vidal provided additional reporting.