Domestic Corruption Still Widespread in Dominican Republic
Despite recent convictions of high-ranking officials, corruption remains deeply entrenched in every aspect of public life in the Dominican Republic, according to international organizations and experts.
The Pervasive Nature of Corruption
The case of Luis Dicent, the now-dismissed director of the National Lottery, who faces charges of masterminding a fraud scheme and pressuring co-defendants into participating, has raised concerns about the pervasive nature of corruption in the country. The 2021 Corruption Perception Index by Transparency International attributed improvements in perceptions of corruption to recent convictions of political elites, but warned that public institutions remain fragile and progress could be quickly lost.
Government Efforts Falling Short
A US Department of State report in April 2022 concluded that government corruption remains a serious problem, despite efforts by the attorney general to pursue cases against public officials. Experts point to administrative corruption as a key factor in creating an environment of impunity. As a senior international security expert noted, “They all go to the same places. You’d be amazed at how many criminals drink together with politicians and businessmen. They all find each other within two minutes.”
Links Between Politicians, Businessmen, and Criminal Networks
Recent court cases have highlighted links between politicians, businessmen, and criminal networks. For example, Congressman Héctor Darío Féliz Féliz was accused of hiding a drug kingpin in his car as investigators arrived to arrest him. His political immunity prevents his arrest, but other lawmakers have been linked to drug trafficking networks.
- Rosa Amalia Pilarte López is married to an alleged drug trafficker.
- Another congressman has been accused of working directly with Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel.
Corruption in the Justice System
Criminal networks have allegedly infiltrated the justice system, with two judges dismissed in 2020 for taking payments from a convicted drug trafficker. The country’s top drug traffickers are suspected of seeking influence with former presidents and presidential candidates.
A Complex Problem Requiring Comprehensive Solutions
The case against Luis Dicent is just one example of the widespread corruption that persists in the Dominican Republic. As the country struggles to tackle its corruption problem, experts warn that it will take more than just a few convictions to root out the rot. It will require sustained efforts and comprehensive reforms to address the systemic issues driving corruption.