Dominican Republic authorities investigate major bank fraud and tax evasion

Dominican authorities have arrested three individuals in connection with a bank fraud scheme involving the alleged manipulation of 32 bank accounts. The investigation by the National Police and the Central Investigation Directorate (DICRIM) suggests that balances were altered to show deposits of up to RD$8 million without transactional backing, totaling an estimated RD$136 million. One suspect, Plácido Manuel Reynoso Romero, is specifically linked to this investigation.

In separate incidents, police arrested Amaury Rafael Almonte Peláez and Melvin José Peña Verás for allegedly conducting digital scams. The duo is accused of using online platforms to sell products, such as appliances and mobile phones, to victims who never received their purchases.

Additionally, legal expert Ricardo Nieves has raised allegations of a large-scale tax evasion scheme impacting the General Directorate of Customs (DGA). The scheme reportedly involves misdeclaring goods intended for transit to Haiti as international transit to avoid domestic taxes, resulting in losses exceeding RD$1,000 million. Nieves also reported potential irregularities within the National Institute of Student Welfare (INABIE) regarding the distribution of school lunch contracts.