Dominican Republic prosecutors seek trial for false bomb threat at AILA

The Dominican Republic's Public Ministry has filed formal charges and requested a trial for Ángel del Pino Cuya, also known as Ricardo Casas, following a false bomb threat at Las Américas International Airport (AILA).

On January 6, 2026, the accused reportedly made a phone call claiming an explosive device was on Copa Airlines flight CM-299. The threat triggered emergency protocols, including the temporary suspension of airport operations and the forced return of the aircraft mid-flight.

Prosecutors have charged Cuya with violations of Law 188-11 regarding Airport Security and Civil Aviation, as well as Law 267-08 regarding Terrorism. The prosecution stated that the false alarm compromised operational security and forced the diversion of flights. The defendant is currently held in preventive detention at the Las Parras Correction and Rehabilitation Center.