Santo Domingo’s cherished culinary institution Barra Payán, established in 1956 by Juan Frías Payán and celebrated for its iconic sandwiches and milkshakes, now finds itself embroiled in a severe financial scandal. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has unveiled allegations of an elaborate embezzlement scheme totaling nearly RD$40 million, shaking the foundations of this Dominican cultural landmark.
According to judicial authorities, former administrators and partners Marcos Antonio Frías García, Juan Ismael Frías García, and Dagoberto Cabrera orchestrated a systematic cash diversion operation between 2019 and 2022. The accused allegedly withheld substantial portions of daily revenue rather than depositing complete sums into corporate accounts, creating significant discrepancies between recorded sales and actual bank deposits.
A forensic audit certified by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of the Dominican Republic (ICPARD) quantified the financial damage at RD$39,784,661.18. Prosecutors further contend that company resources were improperly utilized for personal expenditures and unauthorized loan arrangements, pushing the historically stable enterprise toward potential insolvency.
The alleged financial misconduct victimized multiple family members including Juan Santiago Frías Paulino, Juan Abraham Frías Paulino, Yeimy Cantalicia Frías Paulino, and Juan Carlos Frías Beltrán. Legal proceedings have been initiated under Article 408 of the Dominican Penal Code concerning aggravated breach of trust and disloyal administration.
Following the defendants’ arrest on February 5, 2026, prosecutors sought coercive measures including a RD$1 million financial guarantee, travel prohibitions, and mandatory court appearances. However, judicial proceedings encountered unexpected delay when defense counsel formally recused Judge Fátima Veloz over alleged partiality concerns. The case has been referred to the Presidency of the Court of Appeals of the National District for evaluation of the recusal petition’s validity.