Dominican Republic announces probe of an ‘untouchable’

Santo Domingo.- The National District Office of the Prosecutor has frozen millions of pesos in bank accounts of former Public Works minister Víctor Díaz Rúa, as part of the investigation launched on various charges of fraud, money laundering and embezzlement filed against the former official.

Until Wednesday’s surprising development, many Dominicans considered Diaz Rua, together with beleaguered senator Felix Bautista “untouchables” by the country’s courts, given their close relationship with the powerful former president, Leonel Fernandez.

Quoted by listin.com.do, National District prosecutor Yeni Berenice Reynoso said she proceeded to freeze Diaz’s accounts on an Instruction judge’s order. "The crimes under investigation are serious, as they’re sums in the millions of pesos obtained as a result of acts of corruption committed against Dominican taxpayers."

The Prosecutor also revealed that Arab-American businessman Mustafa Abu-Naba’ is also under investigation, among others, in connection with various crimes in Diaz Rua’s case.

She said several people have been questioned as part of the investigation, and has requested an audit from the Accounts Chamber and information from various government agencies as well.

Reynoso added that as a career Prosecutor her commitment is with the law, “and those who’re convinced that they haven’t committed any crime have no need to use any other recourse to defend themselves, other than the law.”