SANTO DOMINGO.- United States FBI agents and Dominican prosecutors began a second round of confiscations of properties of the Benítez brothers, accused of defrauding Medicare out of more than US$100 million in Florida.

A house, several lots and nine walking horses were seized in Higüey and Bávaro (east), property of the Cuban-born brothers Carlos, Jose, Oscar and Luis Benítez.

Yesterday investigators also opened a safety deposit box in Higüey’s branch of the Reservas bank.

The Justice Ministry’s Anti-laundering Unit chief German Miranda said more properties will be seized in Santo Domingo, La Romana, Higüey and Bávaro next week.

He said the investigation is expanding to include more than 20 people suspected of concealment and conspiracy with the Benítezes, “not only Dominicans but foreigners,” although not all in criminal activities.

The Benítezes are believed to have fled to Cuba leaving behind millions in investments, including an aquatic park with a hotel of more than 100 rooms, cabañas, villas, a helicopter, 12 luxury and other apartments and condos, businesses and lots.