Investigation Underway as Former Opus Dei Member Files Criminal Complaint in Argentina

Argentine prosecutors have launched a preliminary criminal investigation following a complaint by a former member of Opus Dei regarding her experiences within the Catholic organization. The case took a dramatic turn this week when the complainant’s attorney publicly announced a request for Monsignor Fernando Ocariz, the Prelate of Opus Dei, to be summoned for questioning.

Opus Dei has strongly rejected this development, describing it as “lacking any factual or legal basis” and part of what they characterize as a coordinated communications campaign designed to manipulate legal proceedings for media attention.

At the heart of the dispute is the serious allegation of human trafficking, which Opus Dei vehemently denies as being “entirely unrelated to the facts presented by the complainant and contrary to the reality of Opus Dei.” The organization contends that criminal justice mechanisms are being inappropriately used to advance what is essentially a financial claim.

The controversy has evolved significantly over time. What reportedly began as allegations related to unpaid social security contributions later developed into a civil damages claim. By August 2024, the case had escalated to criminal accusations of human trafficking, with particular focus on the role of “assistant numeraries” within Opus Dei’s structure.

Legal experts familiar with ecclesiastical organizations note that such cases often involve complex questions about the boundary between religious vocations freely chosen by members and potential labor law violations. The status and treatment of those who provide domestic and administrative services within religious communities has increasingly come under legal scrutiny in several countries.

This is not the first time a high-ranking Opus Dei official has been targeted in the investigation. The organization points to a similar recent request to summon Monsignor Mariano Fazio, which they claim was also accompanied by orchestrated media coverage intended to apply pressure on judicial authorities.

Opus Dei, founded in 1928 by Spanish priest Josemaría Escrivá, who was later canonized as a saint, has approximately 95,000 members worldwide. The organization has significant influence in many countries, particularly in Latin America, where it maintains educational institutions and formation centers. Its structure includes various levels of membership with different degrees of commitment, including “numeraries” who typically live in Opus Dei centers and may take vows of celibacy, poverty, and obedience.

Critics of Opus Dei have long raised concerns about its hierarchical structure, recruitment practices, and the treatment of members, particularly women in service roles. Defenders maintain that all commitments are voluntary and undertaken with full knowledge and consent.

The Prelature has expressed concern about what it describes as a distortion of legal processes “to influence media coverage and apply undue pressure on the judicial system.” In its statement, Opus Dei emphasized the importance of maintaining “the integrity of the legal system” and ensuring proceedings are conducted “impartially, free from external interference, and with full respect for the presumption of innocence.”

While affirming its rejection of all allegations, Opus Dei stated it remains “fully committed to cooperating with the competent legal authorities” and expressed confidence that “the truth will ultimately prevail.”

The case continues to draw attention from both religious and legal observers as it unfolds in the Argentine courts. The investigation raises significant questions about the intersection of religious freedom, labor rights, and the application of criminal statutes to religious organizations.