Mérido Torres takes over the Airport Department: a review of his profile and assets
The Dominican institutional landscape underwent significant changes last Sunday following decree 552-26 issued by President Luis Abinader. Among the key appointments, the naming of Mérido de Jesús Torres Espinal as the new executive director of the Airport Department stands out, marking his return to public administration after his departure in 2023 from the Technical Executing Unit for State Land Titling (Utect).
Torres, who stepped aside from his previous duties after requesting a leave of absence amid judicial investigations, is now preparing to lead an entity that, for the 2026 budget, has an allocation of RD$ 2,309.8 million. His management must align with current transparency regulations, with one of the main expectations being the submission of his updated sworn statement of assets.
X-ray of your declared assets
According to the Chamber of Accounts records, Mérido Torres’ last sworn statement dates back to August 2020. In that document, the official reported an individual net worth of RD$ 88,535,368.91. This balance is broken down after considering assets of RD$ 88,720,513.87 against minimum financial commitments of RD$ 185,144.96.
The structure of your assets is mainly divided into the following categories:
- Real Estate: Represents 60.8% of their fortune, with eight properties valued at RD$ 53,996,604.00, including tourist farms, apartments, and commercial premises.
- Investments and Credits: Holds financial certificates for RD$ 15,077,400.80 and an account receivable from the Dominican State for RD$ 8,016,498.00, derived from an expropriation process.
- Vehicles: Declared two 2020 units, a Toyota Hilux and a Land Cruiser Prado, with a combined value of RD$ 6,856,470.00.
- Other assets: Includes shareholdings in their law firm, bank accounts, furniture, and a firearm.
The official is married under the separation of property regime, which excludes from his personal declaration assets registered in his spouse’s name, such as a vehicle valued at just over one million pesos.
–>
Trajectory and legal commitments
Mérido Torres has an extensive career in the practice of law and institutional management. Among his prominent roles, he has been Deputy Prosecutor of the Court of Appeals, Legal Consultant to the National District City Hall, President of the Dominican Association of Lawyers (ADOMA), and advisor to various municipal institutions.
As the new head of the Airport Department, Torres is subject to the provisions of Law 311-14, which requires obligated officials to submit their sworn statement of assets within 30 days of taking office. This process is essential to ensure transparency in the exercise of his new duties before the public administration.
