Dominican Republic issues arrest warrant for Spanish mogul

Higuey, Dominican Republic.- An Altagracia province (east) judgeon Monday declared Spanish mogul Juan Jose (Pepe) Hidalgo in contempt of court andissued a warrant for his arrest, after failing to appear for a hearing in oneof two criminal trials against him.

Criminal Court judge Andrés Delgado Rijo had subpoenaed Hidalgoto appear at a hearing several months ago, on charges by a U.S. investor, that he violated the real estate law in Punta Cana properties.

The president of Air Europa also failed to appear onThursday last week, to face slander charges filed by Andrés Cordero Haché andOmar Chapman, lawyers for Cuban-American businessman Sandalio Suárez Real, whoalso alleges Hidalgo’s violation of Dominican Republic real estate law.

Judge Delgado also set a travel ban against Hidalgo, who’salso accused of abuse of power by Suarez’s attorneys, even voicing insultsagainst the Court and the lawyers.

Response

In a statement to the Dominican media Monday afternoon,Hidalgo called the charges a farce and vowed to respond to the allegations.