Five arrested in Dominican Republic over armed robbery gang

Five men have been arrested in the Dominican Republic, accused of being part of a gang responsible for armed robberies on public roads in the National District. The arrests were announced Wednesday by authorities.

The detainees, identified as Scorin Millet Nolasco Mena, Yirbel Antonio Morel, Johandry Alexander Sarante Figueroa, Luis Ángel de la Rosa Durán, and Yensi Albarez Martínez, were apprehended in the act, according to the National Police. The police stated that the operation was initiated following an armed robbery early Monday, August 3. In that incident, several individuals were robbed of cell phones, gold jewelry, and cash on the highway connecting Sánchez with Independencia Avenue.

Authorities also linked the arrested men to another robbery that occurred the same morning in the Colonial City. During that incident, electronic devices were stolen, and the assault was captured on video. Police used evidence collection techniques and investigative work to identify the vehicle used in the crimes, leading to the capture of the suspects.

During the arrests, authorities confiscated a revolver, six cell phones, a gold chain, and other items believed to have been stolen during the robberies. The five individuals and the seized evidence will be handed over to the Public Ministry for legal proceedings. Investigations are continuing to identify any other potential members of the criminal organization.