Financial Crime World

Dominican Republic Cracks Down on High-Tech Crime

The Dominican Republic has taken a significant step in combating high-tech crime by establishing a robust legal framework to tackle issues such as sabotage, espionage, and supply of information through electronic systems.

According to Article 60 of the Law No. 53-07 on Crimes and High Tech Crime, legal persons can be held criminally liable if they enable, facilitate or conceal the commission of a crime knowing it is wrong and have the power to prevent it.

Inter-institutional Commission against Crimes and High Tech Crime (CICDAT)

The CICDAT has been established to coordinate efforts among government agencies, international institutions, and stakeholders to prevent and reduce the frequency of criminal activities. The commission’s five main functions include:

  • Ensuring coordination and cooperation among national agencies
  • Coordinating with other governments and international organizations
  • Defining policies and guidelines
  • Promoting the adoption of international treaties
  • Representing the government before international organizations

Investigative Entities

Two specialized entities, the Division on Crime and High Tech Crime Investigation (DICAT) and the Division of Computer Crime Investigation (DIDI), have been established to investigate conducts committed through the use of information technologies. The PEDATEC - Procuraduría Especializada en Crímenes y Delitos de Alta Tecnología - has also been created as a specialized cyber-prosecution service.

Public Prosecutor’s Office and Judicial Police

The Public Prosecutor’s Office, with the support of the Judicial Police, is responsible for investigating crimes in the Dominican Republic. The extradition of accused parties is conducted under the provisions of Article 46 paragraph 1 of the Constitution and the corresponding extradition treaty with the country where the offender is being processed.

Supreme Court Judgments

In recent years, the Supreme Court of Justice has issued judgments related to child pornography and interception of private communications. These cases have set important precedents for future investigations and prosecutions.

International Commitments

The Dominican Republic’s efforts to combat high-tech crime are in line with its international commitments under Chapter IV of the Code of Criminal Procedure and Law No. 489 on Extradition. The country has also ratified extradition treaties and conventions on international judicial cooperation in criminal matters, which can be accessed through the Information Exchange Network for Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters and Extradition.

Sources

  • Judicial Branch of the Dominican Republic
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic
  • National Police of the Dominican Republic
  • Dominican Telecommunications Institute
  • Attorney General’s Office
  • DICAT
  • PEDATEC
  • National Cybersecurity Centre

For more information, please visit: http://www.poderjudicial.gob.do/