Santiago Hazim appears in court: Public Prosecutor’s Office requests extension in SeNaSa case
The former director of the National Health Insurance (SeNaSa), Santiago Hazim, appeared this Wednesday before the Seventh Instruction Court of the National District. The former official was transported to the Ciudad Nueva Palace of Justice under custody, showing physical difficulties while walking during his entry into the courtroom.
The hearing, led by Judge Deiby Timoteo Peguero, has the primary objective of evaluating the Public Prosecutor’s Office’s request to grant a four-month extension to the investigation period. With this extension, prosecutors seek to complete the necessary proceedings before presenting the formal indictment against the defendants involved in the alleged administrative corruption case.
Investigation details and charges
The request was formalized by the team led by the Director of Prosecution, Wilson Camacho, and the head of the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for the Prosecution of Administrative Corruption (PEPCA), Mirna Ortiz. According to preliminary investigations, the scheme allegedly caused economic damage to the State that, according to various estimates, ranges between RD$15,000 and RD$19,000 million.
Those involved, including former officials and various suppliers, are charged with serious offenses, such as:
- Coalition of public officials and malfeasance.
- Criminal association and bribery.
- Fraud against the State and embezzlement.
- Forgery of documents and money laundering.
The decision adopted by the judge will be decisive for the continuity of the investigation, allowing for the establishment of the definitive time the Public Prosecutor’s Office will have to conclude the pending proceedings and define the formal accusation.
Procedural status of Santiago Hazim
Santiago Hazim is currently serving pretrial detention at the Najayo Men’s Correction and Rehabilitation Center. This measure, originally imposed in December 2025 for a period of 18 months, has been ratified on several occasions by the court, including the hearing on August 6, where it was determined that the circumstances that gave rise to the coercion had not changed.
While the defense for the accused maintains its stance of opposition to the arguments of the prosecution, the court prepares to hear the arguments from both sides. It should be remembered that, as the case file is in the investigative phase, there is not yet a final judgment regarding the criminal liability of those involved, so today’s session focuses exclusively on the viability of extending the procedural deadline.
