Bizarre twist turns Colombians’ money laundering case suspicious

Santo Domingo.- The prosecutor of the National District Appellate Court on Wednesday started the process for the release of Colombian brothers Huber and Angel Buitrago, charged with heading the money laundering network busted in December.

But the twists and turns in the bizarre case raise suspicions that money has changed hands, as several judges hve handed down rulings for the Colombians’ release despite the Justice Ministry’s unusual effort to keep them behind bars.

A court clerk quoted by listin.com.do said the order to comply with the ruling is being sent to the prisons at La Vega and San Francisco, where the Colombians are being held.

Court prosecutor José del Carmen Sepúlveda had instructed the State-owned Agro Bank to receive the RD$3.0 million cash bond from each of the accused, prior to their release, as ruled by 8th Penal court judge Teófilo Andújar.

Back to jail

The Buitrago’s however will reportedly remain in custody as another arrest warrant issued by National District Permanent Attention judge José Alejandro Vargas charges them with forging official documents and conspiracy.

The bench warrant was issued at the request of the Justice Ministry’s Forgery Dept., submitted before the 48-hour deadline stipulated in the Penal Code.