Famous Spanish tenor Placido Domingo linked to criminal network in Argentina, prosecutors say

Prosecutors in Argentina reportedly believe opera star Placido Domingo to a criminal group in Buenos Aires that operated as a front for sex trafficking, including of minors, as well as covering up other crimes.

Last week, police conducted 50 raids against Grupo BA, which operated under the name Escuela de Yoga Buenos Aires, and 19 people were arrested, NPR reports.

Numerous broadcast channels in Latin America have been airing excerpts of audio recordings, obtained through wiretaps, which include the voice of a man who authorities say is Domingo allegedly making plans with members of the alleged criminal network. The dates of these wiretap recordings have not been made public.

According to the media outlet, since 2019, more than 20 women have come forward publicly with allegations of misconduct against Domingo. As a result of those allegations, Domingo parted ways with the Metropolitan Opera in New York and resigned as general director of the Los Angeles Opera in California. In March 2020, Domingo's name was removed from the early career program for young artists at the Washington National Opera in Washington, DC, where he served as artistic director and then general director from 1996 to 2011.

In an excerpt from wiretap recordings from Argentina, a man who prosecutors say is Domingo is heard talking to "Mendy," a woman with whom he is allegedly making plans for a sexual encounter. On the tape, the man describes details of his plans to leave a dinner party separately from his agents and other representatives, to elude their attention, in order to meet her. Another excerpt includes "Mendy" calling the alleged leader of the criminal network, Juan Percowicz, to celebrate that he has confirmed plans with the man, whom he refers to as "Placido."

NPR says it reached out to Domingo's representatives for comment but did not immediately receive a response. They explain that they will update the story with any future comments from Domingo.

Now 81, the Spanish-born Domingo was formerly one of opera's most bankable stars and was a household name around the world thanks to his roles in "The Three Tenors" alongside the late Luciano Pavarotti and Jose Carreras.

Domingo's overseas career has survived allegations of sexual misconduct: he has resurfaced in recent months for performances in Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, and he remains an ambassador for the Rolex watch brand.

In a profile published by Deutsche Welle in January 2021 that praised his "exceptional career," Domingo declined to address the allegations and said he preferred to "devote himself to other challenges."