Journalist Nuria Piera has conducted an investigation into alleged irregularities in the Dominican Agricultural Supply Market (MERCADOM), which include dubious tenders, payments to relatives, and questionable management of resources.
Sócrates Díaz Castillo, the institution’s general director, is listed as an industrial engineer with a diploma in political science in his biography; however, according to his statements on Nuria’s programme, he did not complete these studies.
In addition, according to the documents presented, Díaz Castillo receives a salary as director of MERCADOM from RD$215,000in addition to another of RD$200,000 coming from the private company, Aceros Mojica, as he appears as a manager, which would be a violation of the law.
The investigation also revealed irregularities in contracts with the company GOCLEAN, which has been in charge of cleaning services since 2021.
Although other companies have submitted quarterly tenders, GOCLEAN has always won, which raises suspicions. In addition, the company does not have working telephone numbers or an updated address on its website, and according to Díaz Castillo, it has “more than 20 employees” when the regulations require 40.
Another irregularity noted was the budget for RD$3,350,000 intended for the purchase of wheels for 1,000 carts of MARKETINGaccording to an official document. However, the institution’s social networks indicated that only wheels were purchased for 85 carts.
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As for staff lunches, the documents show that only 71 employees receive this benefit, even though Díaz Castillo claimed that they were 120. In total, 2,000 people work in the building 241 people. The cost of this service is RD$966,770.46 for three months, provided by the company Delicias DLM, with a monthly cost of RD$322,256.82.
In addition, Nuria Piera’s investigation revealed that Díaz Castillo’s relatives hold important positions within MERCADOM, with salaries ranging from RD$48,000 and RD$75,000. Documents were also presented indicating irregular purchases of computers, lamps, paints and other supplies under Díaz Castillo’s administration.
