Overview
- The Justice Department charged DEA supervisory agent Melitón Cordero with conspiracy to commit bribery and visa fraud, alleging he expedited at least 119 nonimmigrant visa applications and accepted thousands of dollars.
- Cordero was arrested Thursday and had been assigned to the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic for six years, with prosecutors not seeking his detention as he surrendered his passport.
- The embassy announced the DEA office closure until further notice, with Campos citing zero tolerance for even the perception of corruption and stating the step provides time for an internal investigation.
- Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez said the action stems from a U.S. internal inquiry and is not related to Dominican officials or institutions.
- Two officials told the Associated Press that the probe involves the Department of Homeland Security, while U.S. statements note counternarcotics cooperation with Dominican partners will continue despite concerns the closure could hinder regional operations.