Santiago Hazim appears in court: Public Prosecutor’s Office seeks to extend investigation period
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 transferred to the Ciudad Nueva Palace of Justice under strict custody measures to participate in the hearing where the Public Prosecutor’s Office’s request to grant a four-month extension to conclude the investigation and present the formal accusation is being evaluated.
Hazim, who has been in preventive detention at the Najayo Men’s Correction and Rehabilitation Center since December 2025, was seen upon his arrival at the court showing difficulty walking. The process is led by Judge Deiby Timoteo Peguero, who is responsible for the instruction phase of the case file.
Case details and alleged economic damage
The extension request was formally filed 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. The prosecuting body maintains that it requires additional time to delve into investigative proceedings related to a corruption network that, according to initial estimates, had caused patrimonial damage to the State exceeding RD$15 billion, a figure that in more recent reports has been raised to over RD$19 billion.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office seeks to have four additional months to complete investigative proceedings before formally presenting its indictment against those involved in the SeNaSa case.
Charges and status of the process
In addition to Hazim, the file involves other former officials and State suppliers. The charges against those involved include:
- Coalition of public officials and malfeasance.
- Criminal association and bribery.
- Fraud against the State and embezzlement.
- Forgery of documents and money laundering.
While the Public Prosecutor’s Office defends the need to extend the deadline based on the complexity of the case, the defense for the accused has maintained a position of opposition, questioning the arguments presented by the prosecution. It is important to remember that, as the process is in the investigation phase, there is not yet a final judgment and those accused enjoy the presumption of innocence until the courts issue a ruling on their criminal liability.
The decision made by Judge Peguero today will be key to determining the course of the investigation and defining the time limit for the Public Prosecutor’s Office to present its formal accusation before the court.
