Illicit migrant smuggling network to Puerto Rico dismantled with coercive measures
A court in La Altagracia province issued various coercive measures against four individuals accused of being part of a criminal network dedicated to the illicit trafficking of migrants to Puerto Rico. This judicial action is the result of a joint operation carried out by the Dominican Republic Navy, the United States Coast Guard, and the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office against Illicit Trafficking of Migrants and Human Trafficking.
The authorities managed to intercept a total of 128 people who were attempting to cross the Mona Passage irregularly. In the first intervention, 77 individuals were rescued, while in a second operation, another 51 were detained, all aboard precarious vessels that put their physical integrity at risk.
Details of judicial measures
- Vladimir Lajara Aguasvivas, alias “El Mello”: Identified as the alleged organizer of one of the crossings, he must serve three months of preventive detention.
- Wiston José Muñoz Rosario and Berto de la Rosa Ortega: Linked to the group of 77 intercepted, they were imposed with a financial guarantee, periodic reporting, and a travel ban for six months.
- Iván Peña Faña: Identified as the captain of the vessel carrying 51 people, he received the same precautionary measures for a period of six months.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office warned that, under the provisions of Law 46-25 which amends Law 137-03, the defendants could face sentences of up to 30 years in prison, aggravated by the attempt to transport fugitives from justice and foreign citizens with irregular migratory status.
The Dominican Republic Navy reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining constant vigilance and strengthening maritime intelligence efforts. Likewise, the authorities made a strong appeal to the public not to get involved in these clandestine activities, stressing that financing or participating in these trips is not only a serious crime, but a direct threat to the lives of migrants.
