Financial Crime World

Dominican Diaspora: Spain Becomes Principal Entry Point for Cocaine

A New Trend in Global Drug Trade

Madrid - Spain has become the primary European entry point for cocaine trafficked from the Dominican Republic, according to experts. This development is attributed to the country’s strategic location and porous borders.

The Role of Cannabis and Other Drugs

Cannabis is the most consumed drug in the Dominican Republic, with criminal networks from both the Dominican Republic and Haiti collaborating in its trafficking. Additionally, the country serves as an important transit hub for heroin destined for the US market, as well as Ecstasy and fentanyl coming from Mexico.

Criminal Networks Dominate

  • In the Dominican Republic, gangs known as naciones and pandillas dominate the organized crime landscape.
  • These groups are involved in drug retailing, extortion, racketeering, and money laundering.
  • Some have significant territorial control and capacity to provide services within their territories.

State-Embedded Actors

  • State-embedded actors, including military and police personnel, have been linked to various criminal activities, particularly in the drug trade.
  • The country’s leadership has made statements warning of the threat of organized crime and drug trafficking, but concrete action remains lacking.

Corruption Remains a Major Concern

  • Corruption is rampant in the Dominican Republic, with high levels of perceived corruption and recent administrations failing to tackle systemic issues.
  • The country lacks a dedicated anti-corruption institution, making it challenging to combat and deter corruption.

Commitment to International Cooperation

  • Despite these challenges, the Dominican Republic has signaled its commitment to international cooperation on anti-organized crime and has extradition agreements with several countries.
  • The country also has domestic legislation targeting specific criminal markets, including drug trafficking and money laundering.

Criminal Justice System Under Pressure

  • The judiciary in the Dominican Republic often suffers from political interference, corruption, and inadequate resources and personnel.
  • This has led to a failure to prosecute criminal and corrupt individuals.
  • Law enforcement is also challenged by high levels of corruption, with some improvements seen in recent years.

Economic and Financial Environment

  • The Dominican Republic has a dynamic economy, but it remains vulnerable to money laundering and illicit financial flows due to corruption, an informal economy, and weak financial controls.
  • Strengthening anti-money laundering regulations and the financial intelligence unit is essential to address these concerns.

Civil Society and Social Protection

  • Despite challenges in the criminal justice system, the Dominican Republic has introduced initiatives for assisting drug users and crime prevention strategies such as community policing.
  • However, the country lacks mechanisms to support human trafficking victims and faces significant deficiencies in responding to this issue.

Conclusion

While there are challenges facing the Dominican Republic, it is essential to address these issues to combat organized crime and improve the overall security and well-being of its citizens.