Dominican Republic’s Organized Crime Scene: A Complex Web of Power and Corruption

Despite efforts to curb its influence, organized crime remains a significant threat in the Dominican Republic. In this article, we will delve into the complexities of power and corruption that perpetuate criminal activities in the country.

Leadership and Governance

The private sector is complicit in criminal activities, with many companies engaging in money laundering schemes to launder profits from illegal operations based in the United States. These firms often collaborate with public officials or entities to gain access to illicit markets.

• The lack of a specialized institution dedicated to combating corruption is a significant obstacle to progress.
• The Dominican Republic has ratified several international treaties and conventions aimed at combatting organized crime, but domestic legislation targeting specific criminal markets remains limited.
• A proposal to create a regulation allowing ownership to be extinguished in cases of organized crime and corruption has stalled due to political obstacles.

Criminal Justice and Security

The judiciary is often subject to political interference, corruption, and a lack of resources, hindering its effectiveness. The country’s penitentiary system has undergone changes aimed at improving rehabilitation and social reinsertion programs, but recent fights and brawls within prisons suggest that structural issues remain.

• Law enforcement faces significant challenges due to high levels of corruption.
• The national police has established dedicated units for narcotics, human trafficking, fraud, and cybercrime.
• The country’s geographic location along major drug-trafficking routes makes it vulnerable to criminal activity.