Haitian arrested in Villa Altagracia over alleged ties to 400 Mawozo

Dominican police are investigating a man of Haitian origin who was detained on Wednesday in Villa Altagracia after rumors linked him to the Haitian criminal gang 400 Mawozo. The suspect was arrested in the municipal district of San José del Puerto and is now in custody at the Haina reception center.

Outgoing Vice President Margarita Cedeño on Friday called on the authorities to investigate allegations that officials may be involved in illegal payments to ease crossings at the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The allegations were made after the suspect's arrest. He said he had paid 15,000 Dominican pesos to enter the country.

Details of the investigation

Colonel Baldera, commander of the local police station in Villa Altagracia, said the situation could be a setup and that there was not enough information to confirm the alleged ties to 400 Mawozo. The suspect will therefore be handed over to the immigration authorities, who will carry out their own investigation.

Statements

Margarita Cedeño expressed concern over whether the rumors of bribes along the border were true and stressed the importance of training in patriotic values for the soldiers stationed in that region.