A vice minister of the Ministry of Economy Erick Dorrejo Medina, who has served as the director of Border Zone Development Policies, is now under scrutiny for his alleged involvement in a multi-million peso real estate fraud scheme known as “Operation Nido,” Diario Libre reports. The scheme, dismantled by authorities, allegedly swindled individuals by offering homes in fraudulent real estate projects. Most of those affected lived abroad.
According to the Public Ministry’s case file, Dorrejo Medina faces accusations of complicity, criminal association, and fraud. These crimes are outlined in articles 59, 60, 265, 266, and 405 of the Dominican Penal Code.
The document states that Dorrejo Medina, representing Dorrejo Medina Arquitectos SRL, colluded with the criminal network. As an investor in the real estate and stock market sectors, he received funds from the principal accused, Emmanuel Rivera Ledesma. These funds were allegedly payments from victims for the fraudulent real estate projects.
Dorrejo Medina reportedly earned commissions on these investments, with a reduced percentage in case of rescission. The Public Ministry alleges that Dorrejo Medina deposited the funds received into an investment certificate, specifically in the stock market, to generate further profits.
Diario Libre reports that on 6 November 2024, Dorrejo Medina returned US$187,500 to the Public Ministry. This money was part of the compensation to the victims within the legal process. The defendant’s lawyer stated that many of the complainants have approached them to examine the proof of this payment to make a decision regarding the addition to the accusation of Dorrejo.
“Operation Nido” refers to a real estate fraud case. Authorities allege that Emmanuel Rivera Ledesma, along with his two children, sister, wife, and other defendants, created a criminal structure in 2019. This structure used the real estate sector through fraudulent maneuvers.
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Diario Libre
N Digital
Ministry of Economy
Ministry of Economy
18 February 2025