Chameleon Case: Trial on the merits begins against Hugo Beras and other defendants
This Thursday marks a milestone in the judicial process known as the Chameleon Case, with the start of the trial against the former director of the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (Intrant), Hugo Beras, businessman José Ángel Gómez Canaán, and several collaborators linked to alleged irregularities in the management of the traffic light system of Greater Santo Domingo.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has reaffirmed its readiness to present before the court the necessary evidentiary elements that support the accusation of corruption and organized crime. The hearing, scheduled for 9:00 in the morning, will be the setting where the prosecution will present its opening arguments and begin the presentation of key witnesses.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office will come ready with its opening statement and its witnesses to prove the guilt of each of these defendants.
Jonathan Pérez, case prosecutor.
Accusation details
Judicial authorities maintain that the network operated through a complex structure that resulted in an alleged fraud of RD$1.3 billion. The charges filed are of high severity and include:
- Identity theft.
- High-tech crimes.
- Money laundering.
- Administrative corruption.
The judge of the Sixth Instruction Court, Yanibet Rivas, issued the indictment order after considering that there is sufficient evidence against those involved. Among those prosecuted, in addition to Beras and Gómez Canaán, are former Intrant officials such as Pedro Vinicio Padovani, Samuel Gregorio Baquero, Frank Rafael Atilano Díaz, and Juan Francisco Álvarez Carbuccia. Also facing the proceedings are Carlos José Peguero Vargas, Mariano Gustini, Manuel Eduardo Mora Vázquez, and Henry Darío Feliz Casso.
Companies involved in the process
The court has also included in the merits trial various corporate entities that allegedly served as a platform for the operations under investigation. Among these are Transcore Latam, Aurix S.A., Inprosol SRL, OML Inversiones SRL, PagoRD Xchange SRL, Industria Soltex Dominicana SRL, and Dekolor SRL.
This judicial process focuses specifically on the contract awarded for the modernization, expansion, supervision, and management of the Greater Santo Domingo traffic light system, a project that has been the subject of exhaustive investigations by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The defendants must now answer to justice for the allegations that directly link them to the irregular handling of these public resources.
