Salvador Catrain Accused of Avoiding Summons in Escalating New York Fraud Case

New York City, New York Jun 9, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - According to court filings in the Supreme Court of New York (Index No. 652981/2025), Salvador Catrain reportedly the son of the Vice President of the Dominican Senate is named as the defendant in a fraud-related lawsuit now pending in New York Countys Commercial Division.

The plaintiffs, William Matthew Hawk and José Dalby Contreras Reyes, allege in sworn filings that Catrain has actively avoided receipt of legal service following his confirmed entry into the U.S. on May 11, 2025. The filings cite U.S. Customs and Border Protection travel records as evidence that Catrain was within New York jurisdiction during the attempted delivery of court papers.

Court Filings Detail Summons Avoidance Allegations

As outlined in the motion for alternative service submitted on June 5, 2025, a licensed New York process server located Catrain and recorded an exchange in which the defendant allegedly redirected service attempts to his former Florida legal counsel. When the server then attempted delivery at that law firm, a partner allegedly stated they did not know Mr. Catrain or represent him, according to a sworn affidavit.

Following failed efforts to serve Catrain in New York, plaintiffs initiated formal service attempts in the Dominican Republic. According to exhibits filed with the court, five separate attempts were made by a court-authorized process server (aguacil). On the fifth attempt, the servers sworn affidavit states that Catrain personally refused to accept the documents.

Alternative Service Motion Invoked

In light of the repeated failed service attempts, the plaintiffs filed a motion pursuant to CPLR § 308(5), requesting court authorization to serve Catrain by alternate means, including email and international courier. This New York procedural rule is intended to facilitate service in cases where traditional methods prove impracticable.

Weve made every reasonable effort to notify the defendant through official legal channels, said William Matthew Hawk, one of the plaintiffs. When someone crosses borders, redirects service to third parties, and still refuses to accept delivery, we believe it fits the scenario CPLR 308(5) was designed to address.

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Case Background

The underlying New York lawsuit seeks recovery of legal costs stemming from a previously dismissed U.S. federal case initiated by Catrain. In that matter, plaintiffs challenged the legitimacy of a June 2021 promissory note, citing migratory data and forensic concerns about its timing and witness authentication. That case was voluntarily dismissed by Catrain with prejudice in 2025 after being presented with evidence of forgery.

Official Court Docket:

Search Index No. 652981/2025 at:

https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/CaseSearch

Disclaimer: This release is based on publicly filed court documents and sworn affidavits. It does not constitute a legal finding of liability or fraud.