Barahona businessman allegedly abducted by men posing as police

A businessman in Barahona, Samuel Sembel, owner of the restaurant ‘A Fuego Lento’, was reportedly abducted by four masked men in a white Toyota Hilux. The assailants were wearing clothing with insignia from the Central Directorate of Criminal Investigations (Dicrim) and the Criminal Intelligence Directorate (Dintel).

The incident occurred near his establishment in the presence of his pregnant wife. During the abduction, the men allegedly stole his cell phone, diamond earrings, and cash from his business. After several hours, Sembel was found by a police patrol on the road to the La Guázara municipal district.

Following his discovery, Sembel was taken to the Villa Estela police station and subsequently to Dicrim facilities for investigation, rather than being immediately released to his family. The situation has caused significant indignation among his relatives and local human rights advocates.