SANTO DOMINGO - Real estate businessman Luis Beltré yesterday denounced an alleged multi-million dollar scam by a partner, with whom he claims he signed a good faith agreement to develop a 40-apartment project in the Coco Beach residential complex, in Bávaro, La Altagracia province.
The alleged irregularity attributed to civil engineer Ángel Carlos Schiffino Peralta, which amounts to more than RD$142 million 801 thousand 200 , has caused more than 16 families , mostly Dominican pensioners and active military personnel from the United States, to be arbitrarily evicted, Beltré stated at a press conference held on the esplanade of the Attorney General's Office (PGR).
The complainant alleges that half of the 40 apartments were his property, claiming to have sold 14 legally. However, he states that his buyers were subsequently evicted by Schiffino without a court order, in what he describes as a “ Dantesque operation.”
“The way they were expelled was brutal, violating all legal and decent standards. It was as if they had no rights, as if their investments were worthless,” denounced the lawyer, who yesterday visited the Public Prosecutor's Office to request the expediting of a complaint filed with the National District Prosecutor's Office, which, according to statements made to the media, has been stalled for more than five months.
For his part, Blas Abreu, the affected parties' lawyer, explained that these diaspora investors acquired the properties "in good faith," trusting in the legality of the real estate project and relying on seemingly valid titles . "Many bought with lawyers, investigated, and validated the documents. Everything appeared to be in order. Mr. Luis Beltré was even credited with 50% of the project, that is, 20 units. And those 20 were the ones he sold legitimately," he stated.
According to Abreu, 50% of those affected currently reside in the Dominican Republic , most of them retired after years of service in the U.S. Armed Forces, while the other half remain on active duty. “These are families who decided to come and live out their retirement peacefully, in a place that represented the fruit of decades of effort,” he stated.
Those affected say they have received no response from the relevant authorities, despite the seriousness of the situation. “Six months have passed since the eviction. No one has listened to us. We have received no response or protection from the State,” they stated.
Some buyers, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, reported that during the conflict “the figure of an intermediary emerged”, who allegedly intimidated by assuring them that the opposing group has the support of “the highest levels of power in the country”.
In his complaint, Beltré asserted that this situation represents a serious blow to the legal security of the Dominican Republic, especially since the victims are investors who chose the country as their home. “This doesn’t just affect me, but dozens of Dominicans who worked their entire lives abroad and wanted to retire here. What message are we sending them?” he asked.
Finally, Abreu called on the Attorney General of the Republic, Yeni Berenice Reynoso, to order a serious and impartial investigation into the case. “We are not asking for favors or privileges, only justice and truth. The rights of those who purchased with faith and trust must be respected,” he concluded.
