DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

In 2012 he was first arrested for suspected drug trafficking but the case was filed away. Today, the now former Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) councilor, Francisco Alberto Paulino Castro once again faces drug trafficking charges. This time for major trafficking. The opening of his case was postponed for Sunday, 7 December 2025 following a request from his defense.

State prosecutors are handling the case as a major alleged drug trafficking and money laundering ring dubbed Operation Kraken.

The former Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) councilor, Francisco Alberto Paulino Castro, also known by the aliases “Francis” or “El Compadre,” is the most prominent figure among the 16 accused.

Santo Domingo East judge Leomar Cruz Quezada ruled in favor of the defense’s request for more time, after attorneys argued in court that they had not yet had sufficient time to review the complex case file and the evidentiary elements presented by the Public Ministry.

El Dia shares details...