Dominican Republic's Pepca to file formal charges in SeNaSa corruption case

The Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Administrative Corruption (Pepca) in the Dominican Republic must file a formal accusation by July 30 against former SeNaSa director Santiago Hazim and other alleged participants in the so‑called Caso Cobra, an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of more than RD$15 billion from the National Health Insurance. Pepca head Mirna Ortiz said the Public Ministry has not reached any agreement with Hazim, though she noted the ministry remains open to future discussions. A mandatory hearing to review coercive measures for the accused was postponed again, and three defendants have already admitted involvement. Most of the accused are under preventive detention at the Las Parras correctional center, while a few are under house arrest.