Dominican Republic Reels from Massive Real Estate Scam: Lawyer Accused of Leading Fraud Network
SAN FRANCISCO DE MACORIS, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – October 29, 2025 – A sweeping real estate fraud operation, potentially one of the largest ever detected in the northern Dominican Republic, has come to light with the arrest of prominent lawyer Joel Carlo Román. Authorities are seeking a three-month preventative detention for Román and eight co-defendants, alleging a sophisticated scheme involving document falsification, money laundering, and the systematic stripping of property assets from unsuspecting owners. This breaking news story is rapidly developing, and Archyde is providing up-to-the-minute coverage.
The Alleged Scheme: How Victims Were Defrauded
According to the Public Ministry, Román allegedly headed a criminal structure operating through companies Ventanas del Mar, SRL and Epic Worldwide Enterprises, S.A. The group is accused of posing as legitimate buyers, offering minimal down payments, and then initiating fraudulent legal proceedings based on falsified documents and identity theft to illegally transfer property titles. Victims were lured in with seemingly favorable terms, only to find themselves embroiled in a legal battle they never intended to fight.
One notable case involves SOSCAB 2010, S.R.L., defrauded of a US$530,000 property in Cabarete, Puerto Plata, receiving only US$25,000 before the alleged scheme took hold. Similar patterns of deception were reportedly replicated against Juanico Alonzo Alonzo and Lesbia Mercedes Balbuena de Alonzo, indicating a systematic and repeated approach to the fraud. The scale of the operation suggests a well-organized network with significant resources.
Criminal Charges & Evidence Presented
The Public Ministry has leveled serious charges against Román and his associates, including association of criminals, scam, forgery, identity theft, and money laundering – a particularly concerning charge given its potential links to terrorist financing under Dominican Law 155-17. The prosecution’s case is built on a substantial body of evidence, including:
- Synallagmatic promise of sale contracts dating back to 2011
- Notarial records and payment notices demonstrating deliberate non-compliance
- Counterfeit powers of attorney and assembly minutes
- Calligraphic expert reports confirming signature falsification
- Altered commercial certificates of the companies used in the fraud
- Seized assets: a BMW X5, a MacBook Pro, mobile phones, luxury watches, and bank cards.
Protecting Yourself from Real Estate Fraud: An Evergreen Guide
While this case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence when engaging in real estate transactions. Here are some crucial steps to protect yourself, whether you’re buying or selling property:
- Verify Legal Representation: Always thoroughly vet your lawyer. Check their credentials and disciplinary record with the Dominican Bar Association.
- Title Search: Conduct a comprehensive title search to ensure the seller has clear ownership and there are no existing liens or encumbrances.
- Independent Appraisal: Obtain an independent appraisal to confirm the property’s fair market value.
- Secure Payment Methods: Avoid cash transactions and use secure payment methods like bank transfers or escrow accounts.
- Review All Documents Carefully: Don’t sign anything you don’t fully understand. Seek legal advice before signing any contracts.
- Be Wary of “Too Good to Be True” Deals: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
SEO Tip: For those researching property law and fraud prevention, understanding the nuances of Dominican Republic’s legal system is key. Resources like the Dominican Republic’s General Directorate of Land Registry (https://www.dgri.gov.do/) can provide valuable information.
The Investigation Continues & Future Implications
The Public Ministry is actively investigating the possibility of additional suspects involved in the money laundering aspect of the scheme. The case is being heard in the Judicial District of Duarte, with the requested preventative detention to be served at the Vista del Valle Correction and Rehabilitation Center in San Francisco de Macoris. This investigation is expected to have far-reaching implications for the Dominican Republic’s real estate market and could lead to increased scrutiny of property transactions. Archyde will continue to monitor this Google News-worthy story and provide updates as they become available. Stay tuned for further developments and expert analysis on this unfolding situation.
