Authorities in the Dominican Republic raided an $18 million mansion owned by a fugitive Venezuelan multimillionaire, which embattled leader Nicolas Maduro's wife allegedly fled to in late April.
However, by the time authorities arrived Sunday at the oceanfront home in the resort town of Punta Cana, Samark López, 44, was no where to be found.
According to the Dominican Republic Attorney General's office, narcotic officers on the Caribbean island and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency also investigated a separate home owned by the fugitive businessman.
Miami-based Peruvian journalist Jaime Bayly said the lavish home was purchased by López and former Venezuelan vice president Tarek El Aissami.
Narcotics agents in the Dominican Republic were helped by DEA officers in raiding two homes, including an $18 million mansion, owned by a fugitive Venezuelan businessman. The Punta Cana oceanfront home allegedly housed Cilia Flores, the wife of embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro
The $18 million mansion in the Dominica Republic resort town of Punta Cana is located off the shores of Juanillo Beach. It boasts of six bedrooms and two additional rooms that can house guests
On April 30, Nicolas Maduro (left) allegedly got a plane from Russian President Vladimir Putin and sent his wife Cilia Flores (right) to the Dominican Republic. It was also the same day interim president Juan Guaidó led military personnel and civilians in an uprising against Maduro which he called 'Operation Freedom'
On April 30, interim president Juan Guaidó led military personnel and civilians in an uprising against Maduro which he called 'Operation Freedom'.
Bayly revealed on his news magazine program on Mega TV that on that same day, Russian president Vladimir Putin provided a plane that ushered Maduro's wife Cilia Flores to the Dominican Republic.
Maduro, however, rejected the allegation that his wife had fled Venezuela, claiming instead that Flores joined him at different functions.
The Venezuelan leader went as far as showing videos to prove that his wife never abandoned him.
Located in the exclusive zone of Cap Cana, the estate, which is dubbed Villa La Caracola, lies off the shores of Juanillo Beach.
The swank property, which is surrounded by trees and features a
