La estafa de los “niños cantores”: el FRAUDE a la Lotería en 1942 | Por Paulo Kablan
Young Bands and Their Ambitions
The Origins of a Group
- A group of young men, aged 17 to 19, gathered at Café de los Angelitos in Rivadavia and Rincón since 1942 to discuss ways to make money.
- They spent much of their earnings on "slow horses and fast women," reflecting a carefree lifestyle as noted in tango lyrics.
The Lottery Scheme
- One member, Navas, shared his experience with a tornero (turner) who created lottery balls identical in weight for the National Lottery.
- Their first successful lottery number was drawn on July 24, 1942 (25,977), leading them to win approximately 300,000 pesos.
Consequences of Success
- After boasting about their winnings to friends and family, they aimed for an even larger prize during the Christmas lottery.
- Their second attempt on September 4, 1942 (31,025), was marred by rumors of fraud published in newspapers.
Investigation and Fallout
- Following the publication of potential fraud allegations, authorities investigated the situation; the winning number was declared void.
- A socialist deputy named Agustín Rodríguez Araya led an investigation into the National Lottery's operations due to concerns over its legitimacy.
Legal Repercussions
- The investigation revealed that wealthy individuals were receiving significant sums from lottery proceeds intended for charity.
- Ultimately, some members of this young band faced short prison sentences after confessing under pressure during investigations.
Changes in Regulation
- This incident prompted new regulations regarding how lottery funds were distributed for charitable purposes.
- The narrative highlights how these young men’s actions led to significant changes in legislation surrounding lotteries and beneficence.