Ángel Martínez, a Dominican commentator residing in the United States and known for his provocative online presence, was arrested on Monday upon disembarking from the cruise ship MSC World America in Puerto Plata.

Martínez, who refers to himself as "El Detective," was taken into custody by Dominican authorities executing an outstanding arrest warrant issued in 2021. The warrant stemmed from his failure to appear in court to address charges of defamation and violations of the country's cybercrime laws. Specifically, he is accused of making unsubstantiated claims linking political figures to illicit activities.

Upon arrival, Martínez briefly left the cruise ship and posted a video on social media asserting his presence in the Dominican Republic without legal repercussions. Shortly thereafter, the ship was ordered to remain in port, and Martínez was apprehended by the Dominican Navy and police forces. He is currently held in custody in Puerto Plata, awaiting transfer to Santo Domingo for further legal proceedings.

Authorities say Martínez failed to appear before the court in ongoing proceedings, resulting in a contempt ruling. Dominican officials subsequently issued arrest warrants and a travel ban. By 2024, prosecutors had escalated their efforts, filing a red notice with Interpol and seeking his extradition from the U.S.

Noticias Telemicro reported that his troubles didn’t begin at home. According to public records, Martínez was arrested in Miami-Dade County, Florida, in 2013 on charges of third-degree fraud. He allegedly offered legal aid to families of detainees and the deceased—services that were never delivered.

Now in custody in Puerto Plata, Dominican prosecutors are pushing forward. They’re investigating whether Martínez is linked to a broader digital extortion scheme and financial irregularities. Authorities say court proceedings will continue this week, with coercive legal measures on the table.