SANTO DOMINGO. – A federal investigation in the United States links the former supervisor of the local Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office, Melitón Cordero, to an alleged scheme of irregular management of US visas, which would have involved charging up to $10,000 per procedure and the acceleration of at least 119 applications.
According to a court document cited by the Associated Press , the case originated after statements made by a Dominican artistic promoter, whose identity has not been revealed, who claimed to have a contact capable of significantly reducing waiting times for consular interviews.
According to the federal indictment, that contact was Cordero. Authorities allege that the former official received payments to expedite visa processes, including an initial $3,000 transaction and a second $7,000 disbursement, allegedly made in cash inside a vehicle parked in front of the U.S. embassy.
He was using another agent's name
The file also indicates that, while under investigation, Cordero allegedly processed official referrals using another DEA agent's name, describing applicants as "valuable contacts" in drug trafficking investigations, even though this information was false. Consular officials described the figure of 119 referrals as "extraordinarily high.".
The case was detected by an undercover agent who established contact with the artistic promoter, which allowed the alleged scheme to be documented.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, offered details about the indictment, noting that the events represent a serious breach of public trust.
The DEA's closure in the Dominican Republic: one action deemed necessary
Following Cordero's arrest in Washington, U.S. authorities ordered the closure of the DEA office in the Dominican Republic. Officials described the measure as a necessary action in response to what they called "shameful" conduct inconsistent with institutional standards.
The former official was released on parole and must appear in court again while the legal proceedings against him continue.
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