Police dismantle gold bar scam network

Santiago de los Caballeros.- Agents from the National Police’s Central Investigation Subdirectorate (DICRIM) in Santiago province successfully dismantled a criminal network known as “Los Piadosos” or “Los Lingoteros.” The group specialized in defrauding citizens using distraction and deception tactics, including the alleged sale of fake gold bars.

Four individuals were arrested during the operation: Juan Danilo Marte Riveras (69) from Santo Domingo, José Manzueta Vásquez (50) from Yamasá, Jacobo Rodríguez Guillén (63) from Villa Altagracia, and René Antonio Sánchez Aquino (61) from Santo Domingo. The suspects approached individuals near ATMs or in crowded areas, pretending to need assistance and offering fake gold bars as part of their scam. Some victims reported feeling disoriented, leading authorities to investigate the possibility that the scammers used chemical substances to facilitate their deception.

The operation resulted in the seizure of a wine-red Honda CR-V SUV, two metal bars suspected to be gold-plated, and other evidence. The bars will be tested by the appropriate authorities for confirmation. The suspects, who have prior criminal records and outstanding warrants in multiple jurisdictions, were handed over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for further legal proceedings.