Tim Ballard, the "anti-trafficking" icon who is himself an alleged sexual abuser, faces criminal charges in Argentina
Trump and MAGA were duped by the Flynn network, which heavily promoted Ballard. What's next?
BUENOS AIRES — Argentina’s security ministry has thrown its weight behind two U.S. women who accuse self-styled anti-trafficking crusader Tim Ballard of fraud and sexual abuse, receiving the women and their lawyers for a closed-door meeting on Tuesday as a fresh criminal complaint against Ballard works its way through federal court.
Security Minister Patricia Bullrich and the ministry’s anti-trafficking director Verónica Toller posed for photos with the women and Utah attorney Alan W. Mortensen at ministry headquarters, according to images posted on Facebook by the legal team. The visit came hours before lawyer Rodrigo Tripolone filed a 30-page brief in La Plata accusing Ballard, his partner charity Aerial Recovery and unnamed Argentine officials of bribery, espionage and sexual assault.
Growing legal peril in Argentina
Ballard, 53, is already under investigation in Utah and California and faces at least nine civil lawsuits in the United States. The Argentine filing asks Judge Ernesto Kreplak to subpoena migration records, banking data and police-raid videos, and to consider Interpol alerts if Ballard ignores a summons. Tripolone told reporters he expects more Argentine victims to come forward.
Bullrich’s meeting with the survivors marks a sharp turnabout from last year, when then-presidential candidate Javier Milei was photographed with Ballard at CPAC-Washington and later signed a pledge inspired by the film “Sound of Freedom” vowing to eradicate child trafficking if elected. The pledge, also backed by former U.S. president Donald Trump and El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, was brokered by producer Eduardo Verástegui. InfoNegocios Miami
Last month Bullrich warned Milei to steer clear of Ballard after media reports detailed the U.S. allegations. LA NACION
From blockbuster to backlash
The allegations further underscore the Flynn network’s efforts to infiltrate and defame MAGA. The Flynn network championed Ballard after the 2023 surprise hit “Sound of Freedom,” a thriller dramatizing his purported — but never factually confirmed — rescues:
ReAwaken America & Flynn network: The film became a staple at ReAwaken America revival rallies launched by retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn; star Jim Caviezel pitched the movie alongside Christian Nationalist themes at church events. Matter News
Michigan GOP: Cash-strapped state Republicans under chair Kristina Karamo borrowed $110,000 to bring Caviezel to the September 2023 Mackinac Conference, along with Kari Lake. The Michigan Independent
Trump circle: Trump hosted a private screening at his Bedminster golf club with Steve Bannon, Kari Lake and Ballard himself in July 2023. The Guardian
Ballard’s response
Ballard did not respond when Bigger Truth sent Ballard a direct message on X, but he has previously called the accusations a “coordinated smear.” He is currently in Brazil, his attorney said, “meeting with officials on anti-trafficking initiatives.”
Multiple X posts written in Portuguese speculate that Ballard may face similar criminal allegations and denunciations in Brazil soon as well.
What’s next
Judge Kreplak must decide whether to accept Tripolone’s complaint and order investigative measures. Prosecutors could then:
Question Argentine officials who allowed Ballard to join past police raids.
Issue subpoenas for Aerial Recovery’s local bank accounts.
Seek an Interpol Red Notice if Ballard fails to appear.
Tripolone said the women’s meeting with Bullrich shows “the Argentine state now recognizes who the real trafficker is.”