Dominican Republic migration agency investigates agent corruption

The Dominican Republic’s General Directorate of Migration (DGM) is addressing internal corruption allegations involving agents accused of demanding illegal payments from migrants during interdiction operations.

Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester, Director General of Migration, acknowledged that irregularities occur within the institution. He stated that changing long-standing institutional habits requires significant effort and clear rules. The DGM has established an investigative structure comprising three specialized areas—the Intelligence Directorate, the Department of Investigations, and the Internal Affairs Directorate—supported by a Counterintelligence unit to handle these reports.

Reports of illegal charges have been filed by citizens of various nationalities, including Haitians, Colombians, and Venezuelans, though the majority involve Haitian nationals. As of July, the Internal Affairs Directorate was managing 196 cases, with 27 specifically related to extortion, bribery, and irregular collections. Lee Ballester confirmed that once sufficient evidence is gathered, cases are referred to the Public Ministry for judicial proceedings.