MP arrests man linked to alleged real estate scam in Punta Cana

Santo Domingo.– The Public Ministry arrested Joan Fernando González Contreras, accused of being linked to an alleged real estate scam related to the project West Side Residences Punta Cana, of the construction company Paceo. The arrest was carried out by the Fugitives, Rebels and Convicts Capture Unit (Ucaprec), headed by prosecutor Andry De Los Santos, in coordination with Interpol. The arrest warrant was issued by Judge Rigoberto Sena Ferreras, of the Eighth Instruction Court of the National District. According to the investigation, the citizen Holger Ariosto León Rivas filed a complaint in July 2024 against Grupo Paceo LLC and González Contreras for alleged violation of article 405 of the Dominican Penal Code, which punishes fraud.

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According to the record, the victim agreed to purchase a villa in the West Side Residences Punta Cana project for US$110,000, making several payments since October 2019 via bank transfers. The Public Ministry indicated that, after initially receiving videos and proof related to the supposed project, communication was interrupted and it was later determined that the work did not exist. Authorities reported that in the coming hours they will request a coercive measure against the accused before the Coordination of the Instruction Courts of the National District.