DEA Supervisor Arrested in Dominican Republic Bribery Scheme

Meliton Cordero accused of expediting visa applications in exchange for cash payments

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A DEA supervisor assigned to the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic has been arrested for allegedly taking bribes to expedite visa applications, according to a criminal complaint. Meliton Cordero is accused of leveraging his position to push through nearly 120 visa referrals, claiming applicants were valuable law enforcement sources even when he had never met them. Cordero was arrested last week in Washington as part of an ongoing investigation, prompting the Trump administration to temporarily shutter the DEA's office in the Caribbean nation.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns about corruption within U.S. government agencies and the potential misuse of official positions for personal gain. It also raises questions about the integrity of the visa application process and whether any individuals granted expedited access may not have been eligible for entry into the United States.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, the scheme began when a music promoter in the Dominican Republic told a former U.S. Embassy employee that Cordero could reduce the wait time for a visa appointment to as little as two weeks in exchange for a $10,000 cash payment. Investigators say Cordero submitted or approved nearly 120 visa referrals during his posting, an unusually high number that raised red flags with consular officials. In one sting operation, Cordero allegedly instructed an undercover source to fabricate a backstory about how they had met at a club and the source sometimes paid Cordero $400 in tips for sharing information with the DEA.

  • In 2024, a former embassy employee was approached by a local music promoter about Cordero's 'connection' inside the embassy.
  • In December, investigators developed a sting operation involving a confidential source who filed a visa application.
  • On January 27, the undercover source met with Cordero in a supermarket parking lot and paid the remaining $7,000 in cash for a visa.
  • Cordero was arrested last week in Washington as part of the ongoing investigation.

The players

Meliton Cordero

A DEA supervisor assigned to the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic for the past five years, who is accused of taking bribes to expedite visa applications.

Jeanine Pirro

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, who released a video accusing Cordero of subverting the White House's immigration agenda.

Terry Cole

The DEA Administrator, who sent a message to agency staff reassuring them that the closure of the DEA's office in the Dominican Republic would be temporary and that he would safeguard the agency's reputation.

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What they’re saying

“When you sell out our country, and when you do it with a badge, you need to remember that we are going to find you and don't think that if you're outside the continental United States that we're not going to know what you're doing.”

— Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia (Video statement)

“Misuse of public office for personal benefit will not be tolerated. Conduct that calls our integrity into question undermines the trust that makes our mission possible. We will act decisively to protect that trust.”

— Terry Cole, DEA Administrator (Internal message to DEA staff)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 6 whether to allow Cordero to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and accountability within government agencies, as the alleged actions of a single DEA supervisor have led to the temporary closure of the agency's office in the Dominican Republic and raised broader concerns about corruption and the potential misuse of official positions.