Nineteen people have been arrested in the Dominican Republic as authorities there continue to investigate a corruption case.

Among those arrested are a former presidential candidate and three former officials.

The accusation is that they were part of an embezzlement scheme of nearly $350 million and illegal campaign financing

The government in DR has been trying to crack down on corruption in government there which was launched over the past two years.

Former public works minister Gonzalo Castillo who won 37% of the votes is among those who were detained on Saturday gone.

Donald Guerrero, former treasury minister, and Daniel Omar Caamano, former comptroller also detailed, including Jose Ramon Peralta, a former administrative minister to the presidency

A total of 40 raids were conducted targeting the properties of the suspects in Santo Domingo and the suspects were charged subsequently.

Earlier today Monday, Castillo’s supporters protested in large numbers outside the Justice Palace.

They reportedly tried to damage the building but were scattered by lawmen.