Judge to hear coercion measures against Banco Popular robbery suspects

Santo Domingo.- This Friday, the judge of the Permanent Attention Office of the National District will hear a measure of coercion against the individuals involved in the June 3 assault on a Banco Popular branch located at the corner of Luperón Avenue and Olof Palme, National District.

The suspects include Jorge Luis Estrella Arias, also known as “El Modelo” and/or “El Táctico,” and his cousin, Eddy Enmanuel Segura Arias, also referred to as “Peluca.”

It remains unclear whether Judge Rigoberto Sena will address the coercion measure against Alberto Ezequiel Estrella Arias, brother of “El Modelo,” and the third suspect accused of renting the Kia SUV, Sorrento model, used in the assault, in the same hearing or separately.

The Public Ministry has requested one year of preventive detention as a coercive measure against those responsible for the robbery.

The coercive measure request specifies that the accused collaborated with Richard Michel Estrella Arias, known as “El Chino,” and Johan Belliard Aybar, alias “Beberrá,” both of whom were killed in an alleged shootout with the National Police, to rob the financial institution, stealing 1,685,723 pesos.

The suspects face charges of criminal association, robbery with violence, and using illegal firearms, violating articles 265, 266, 379, 382, and 385 of the Dominican Penal Code. They are also accused of violating articles 66 and 67 of Law 631-16 for the Control and Regulation of Weapons, Ammunition, and Related Materials.

Violations of these articles carry penalties ranging from 20 to 30 years in prison.