Wandy Pimentel captured in Santiago amid criminal allegations

Authorities have reportedly captured Wandy Pimentel, known as ‘El Chino’ or ‘El Japonés,’ in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Pimentel was wanted for his alleged involvement in a homicide that occurred in Puerto Plata in August 2025.

During the operation, Nelson Yasser Vargas del Rosario, alias ‘El Pichón,’ who was identified as Pimentel’s security detail, reportedly died following an encounter with agents from the Central Directorate of Investigation (DICRIM). Vargas del Rosario was also wanted in connection with a separate homicide and criminal association case in Santiago.

Journalist Ramón Tolentino has publicly accused Pimentel of leading a criminal structure in Santiago involved in drug trafficking, kidnappings, and contract killings. Tolentino further alleged that the group may have been involved in the robbery of National Police officers and suggested that Pimentel might be in possession of the stolen weapons. The journalist has called for an external investigative team from Santo Domingo to handle the case to ensure effectiveness and transparency.