Dominican Republic Customs audit reveals RD$18.9 billion in irregularities

The Chamber of Accounts of the Dominican Republic (CCRD) has identified 44 irregularities within the General Directorate of Customs (DGA) occurring between 2016 and 2019. The total observed amount involved in these discrepancies sums to RD$18,967,840,743. The audit, which primarily covers the administration of Enrique Ramírez Paniagua from August 2016 to August 2020, resulted in an adverse opinion, stating that the institution's financial statements do not reflect its true situation.

The most significant finding involves RD$11,164,213,895 in revenue that was not deposited into the Treasury's Single Account, leading to a loss of control over those funds. Other major discrepancies include RD$3,662,724,405 lacking supporting documentation and RD$2,236,274,768 in inventories that were never physically verified.

Additional findings reported by the auditors include unpaid income tax withholdings, overdue accounts receivable, and disbursements made without invoices. The report also highlighted questionable procurement practices, such as payments made without selection processes, split purchases intended to evade bidding requirements, and works conducted outside the annual plan.