2005News

Looking for Leonel Almonte

Investigations and intelligence divisions of the Police Department are actively looking for former banker Leonel Almonte, whose bail has been revoked. Police Chief Manuel de Jesus Perez Sanchez said he would comply with Attorney General Francisco Dominguez Brito’s order for Almonte’s arrest. He stated that members of the Secret Service, as well as the Departments of Criminal Intelligence and Monetary Felonies have broadened the search for Almonte. Meanwhile, Victor Rodriguez Concepcion, who is accused together with Almonte in the same case, turned himself in yesterday at the Attorney General’s office to be interrogated regarding fraud committed against the clients of bankrupt Banco Universal. Police spokesman Simon Diaz indicated that Almonte’s home in Piantini had been “visited”. He did not state whether an exit prohibition had been issued against Almonte. Diaz stated that lawyer Leida de los Santos Ledebul, who arranged to take Rodriguez Concepcion to the authorities, has offered to help find Almonte and get him to turn himself in. The former banker is accused of fraud for RD$145 million against thousands of clients who have not been able to recover the funds they had deposited in the bank.