Corruption Tightens its Grip on the Dominican Republic
A Culture of Impunity
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - The recent charges against Luis Dicent, former director of the National Lottery, for masterminding a massive fraud scheme are just one example of the entrenched corruption that continues to plague the Dominican Republic. Despite high-profile prosecutions, experts warn that corruption remains deeply ingrained in every aspect of public life.
Lack of Clear Rules and Impunity
The country’s fragile institutions and lack of clear rules have created an environment of impunity, where criminals can operate with relative ease. Many policemen participate in organized crime due to low salaries and unclear rules, making it impossible for organized crime to be successful without the participation, support, and involvement of authorities.
Political Elite Linked to Corruption
The allegations against Dicent are just one example of the widespread corruption that has infested the country’s political elite. Several high-ranking politicians have been linked to drug trafficking and money laundering schemes.
- Congressman Héctor Darío Féliz Féliz allegedly hid a notorious drug kingpin in his car as investigators arrived to arrest him, but enjoys political immunity, avoiding prosecution.
- Rosa Amalia Pilarte López, whose husband is accused of leading a drug trafficking network, contributed to the political campaigns of Dominican legislators.
Compromised Justice System
The country’s justice system has also been compromised, with some judges allegedly receiving payments from convicted drug traffickers. In 2020, two judges were dismissed following accusations they received bribes.
- Criminal networks have even infiltrated the highest levels of government, with accused drug trafficker César Emilio Peralta claiming to have financed the 2016 presidential campaign of former President Danilo Medina.
- The Dominican Republic’s weak campaign financing laws have allowed these criminal networks to provide broad cover for those seeking to buy political influence at the highest levels of the executive branch.
Uncertain Future
As the country struggles to tackle corruption, it remains unclear whether the authorities will be able to effectively address these entrenched problems. The cycle of corruption and impunity continues to tighten its grip on the Dominican Republic, threatening the very fabric of society.