Barriga was elected as Maipú commune as a non-party candidate in 2016, supported by the right-wing Independent Democratic Union (UDI).

According to estimates, during her five years in office Barrigas defrauded the treasury of nearly 31 billion Chilean Pesos (about USD$35 million).

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, Barriga set up an organizational structure for fraudulent use of resources, and for such a purpose she changed municipal budget with multimillionaire expenses that helped to publicize her administration, including large music festivals, the acquisition of 30,000 stuffed animals with corporate image as well as backpacks with school supplies for students in private schools.

Barriga also bought 1,000 Swarovski necklaces, a cut crystal-made luxury product she gave to several authorities, lawmakers, former ministers and other public figures.

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