Justice imposes 15 years in prison on migrant smuggling network in Santiago
The Santiago judicial system has handed down an exemplary 15-year prison sentence against three individuals responsible for operating a network dedicated to the illicit trafficking of Haitian migrants. The convicted individuals, identified as Wilex Agustín, known as Alex; Majorit Bautista, nicknamed Majorie la Morena; and José Ramón De León Gil, alias Pedro, were found guilty of violating the border and security controls of the Dominican State.
Clandestine operations center
Investigations led by the Department of Human Trafficking and Smuggling of the Santiago Public Prosecutor’s Office revealed that the criminal structure used a residence strategically located in the municipal district of La Canela to hide immigrants. The property had four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a basement, areas that were adapted to hide undocumented people while they waited to be transported.
During a raid carried out by the Public Ministry and agents of the Central Directorate of Investigation (Dicrim), authorities found 10 Haitian citizens, including minors, who were hidden both inside the house and in vehicles parked at the location.
Modus operandi of the gang
- Entry route: Migrants were brought into the country clandestinely through the Dajabón border area.
- Logistics: The network coordinated precise schedules and routes to evade military and police checkpoints until reaching Santiago.
- Key testimonies: During the trial, one of the victims recounted how they were contacted and the payment they made to be illegally transported into Dominican territory.
The ruling issued by the Fourth Collegiate Court of Santiago represents a resounding blow against the criminal structures that profit from human vulnerability and challenge the country’s migratory sovereignty.
Judgment and additional sanctions
The court, composed of judges Rubén Rodríguez, Rubén Darío Cruz Uceta, and Jasmín de los Santos, based its decision on the evidence presented by the prosecution, which demonstrated the violation of Law 137-03 on Illicit Trafficking of Migrants and Human Trafficking. In addition to the custodial sentence, the convicted individuals must pay a fine equivalent to 150 minimum wages of the public sector.
It is important to highlight that, in the specific case of José Ramón De León Gil, identity theft charges were added after it was verified that he was using documents belonging to another Dominican citizen, according to reports from the Central Electoral Board. With this ruling, the authorities of Alofoke Deportes confirm the State’s commitment to the prosecution and dismantling of criminal networks operating within the national territory.
