Spanish
Ángel Martínez, known as "El Detective", is a supposed private investigator of Dominican origin, from Santiago de los Caballeros, who has been the subject of multiple judicial controversies and criminal charges in both the Dominican Republic and the United States.
Criminal Activities and Accusations
Martínez is identified as the ringleader of an extortion and blackmail network, primarily targeting Dominican businesspeople, politicians, and public figures.
According to the authorities, he used his digital platforms to spread defamatory or unfounded news with the aim of extorting victims, demanding large sums of money in exchange for removing said content. In addition, he is accused of money laundering using representatives in the Dominican Republic and New York.Legal Background in the Dominican Republic
Has been sued on multiple occasions for defamation and libel, under Law 53-07 on High Technology Crimes and Offenses.
In 2020, the politician Guido Gómez Mazara filed a formal complaint against him for defamation and insult.
Also, deputy Gory Moya did it in 2021 and both accused him of publicly linking them to drug trafficking through his YouTube channel.
In both cases, Martínez was declared in default for failing to appear before the courts. Arrest warrants and travel bans were issued.
In 2024, given his persistent failure to appear, the Dominican Republic prosecutor's office requested his extradition from the U.S. and a red alert from Interpol to proceed with his capture.
Criminal Background in the United States
He was arrested in Miami-Dade County, Florida, on August 16, 2013, for the crime of third-degree grand theft. The case was recorded under number 13-019119.According to the record, he took advantage of the pain of victims' families or those incarcerated, promising to help in legal proceedings in exchange for money, and then disappearing without fulfilling the promise.
Ángel Martínez, under his image as a "detective" and political analyst, operated for years a digital extortion and media blackmail structure, according to Dominican authorities.
Although he was known for his alleged investigations, today he faces serious accusations of technological crimes, fraud, and money laundering, with open judicial processes in several countries and an international arrest warrant.
Martínez was arrested this Monday upon arriving in the Dominican Republic aboard a cruise ship that docked in the port of Puerto Plata.
