2023News

Jean Alain purchased yacht cost more than all his wages in government

As the reading of the lengthy file of the Medusa Case with charges against former Attorney General Jean Alain Rodriguez continues in court, one particular charge is especially shocking when put into perspective as Diario Libre has done. In 2017, Rodriguez purchased a luxury yacht that cost US$720,000 (RD$39.6 million). This was more than his official salary for the 2012-20 eight years in government (RD$27.4 million).

Prosecutors say Rodriguez bought the yacht in his second year as attorney general via transfer from the US dollar account of his company Jurinvest, SRL. State prosecutors say the account was used by the bribes network mandated by Rodriguez during his term as Attorney General (2016-2020). Rodriguez never reported ownership of the yacht that was docked at the La Marina in Casa de Campo.

The defense of the former attorney general says that Rodriguez in his wealth statements did not reflect the values of assets the prosecutors claim he has. Defense lawyer Carlos Balcacer says that when first appointed director of the Center for Export and Investment in 2012, Rodriguez posted a wealth statement showing assets for RD$220 million. When appointed attorney general in 2016, he posted a wealth statement for RD$232 million.

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20 July 2023