Puerto Plata: German national escapes kidnapping by former partner

A German man, approximately 60 years old, narrowly escaped a kidnapping in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, after being bound and held at gunpoint during a home invasion. The incident occurred on October 22, 2026, when suspects entered the victim's residence, tied him hand and foot, and stole cash, credit cards, and a mobile phone.

Authorities allege that Alejandra Rojas Saldaña, known as ‘Yolaska’, used a six-month romantic relationship with the victim to gain access to his home. She was accompanied by an accomplice, identified as Yeifri Riquerbin Batista Martínez, alias ‘Jefri’, who remains at large. The suspects reportedly attempted to transfer approximately 40,000 euros from the victim's bank accounts.

After the attempted theft, the suspects forced the victim into his own vehicle to transport him against his will. The victim managed to escape at a gas station on the Puerto Plata-Sosúa highway, despite his hands and feet being tied. A medical evaluation confirmed he sustained multiple injuries requiring 21 days of recovery.

Rojas Saldaña has been arrested and faces charges including aggravated robbery, kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, torture, and firearms violations. Prosecutors have requested her preventive detention at the Rafey Mujeres Correctional and Rehabilitation Center.