They are requesting the urgent intervention of the authorities to protect property owners
SANTO DOMINGO.– The Metro Country Club Property Owners Association (APIMCC) denounced irregularities in the titling of properties in that residential complex yesterday, Thursday.
At a press conference, Tony Antonio Pimentel, president of the association, stated that at least 19 owners have been notified with eviction orders and another 60 are at imminent risk, following a ruling that seeks to enforce a private debt of $9.6 million, using as collateral properties that had already been legally sold to third parties.
He explained that last September, several owners received eviction notices stemming from a debt incurred by the original developer, Luis José Asilis Elmudesi, and his companies (Metro Country Club and GroupMetro) with the creditor Suheil Elias Atallah Lajám.
"A ruling dated April 24, 2024, issued by the First Chamber of the Civil and Commercial Court of San Pedro de Macorís, awarded certain parcels of land—allegedly owned by Mr. Asilis's companies—to Mr. Atallah as payment, resulting in the issuance of newtitles that overlap with the existing and valid titles of the owners, registered almost two decades ago," he stated.
Those affected said this action has generated alarm in the community, as they anticipate additional notifications from other creditors, increasing instability and fear ofunjustified evictions. The affected homeowners possess complete legal documentation, including certificates of no encumbrance, which calls into question the legitimacy of these new titles.
They stated that the case reveals serious anomalies in the Dominican real estate registration system, regulated by Law 108-05, highlighting alleged duplication of titles, unconstitutionality, omission of procedures and contractual relativity.
According to the complainants, approximately 30% of the owners are international investors, from the United States, Canada, France, Poland, Spain, and Russia.
They added that these practices not only affect the owners of Metro Country Club, but also erode trust in the Dominican registry system,discouraging national and foreign investment, and that they "contradict public policies such as the National Titling Plan (Law 82-25 of 2025)."
They specified that Metro Country Club is a tourism project over 20 years old that encompasses approximately 1,000 properties, including permanent residences, weekend homes, and vacant lots. The owners, backed by clear titles, surveys, and up-to-date property tax payments, represent a diverse group: Dominican families from upper, upper-middle, and middle classes, as well as foreign investors from countries such as Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, the United States, Russia, and others.
The association stated that it does not oppose the legitimate collection of Asilis' debts, but emphasized that the property owners bear no responsibility for these obligations, as they neither incurred them nor authorized the developer to use their properties as collateral. "Any attempt to transfer these debts to innocent third parties is illegal and could constitute extortion.".
The association expressed concern about similar tactics by other creditors, who could seek to intimidate the community into paying off other people's debts, thus undermining the rule of law.
In that regard, they issued an urgent appeal to Dominican authorities to protect property owners and restore legal certainty. They requested the attention of the Supreme Court of Justice, the National Directorate of Title Registration, the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the Attorney General's Office to examine the issue of dual land titles and registration irregularities.
It also demands the immediate suspension of pending evictions until the facts are clarified, a registry review to identify and correct anomalies, in accordance with Law 108-05, and the application of measures against those responsible for irregularities, aligned with current legislation.
“This case not only affects the owners of Metro Country Club, but also has national implications. The legal uncertainty stemming from duplicate titles jeopardizes confidence in the land registry system, which is essential for foreign investment and economic development, especially in a tourist hub like Juan Dolio. The situation could discourage investors and contradict the government's efforts to promote mass titling and property stability,” they pointed out.
The organization reiterated its commitment to transparency and the defense of its members' rights, seeking to ensure that Metro Country Club remains a safe space for its residents and investors.
