Santo Domingo.- The specialized attorney against the TIllicit Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking, Yoanna Bejaran stated that the inauguration of the new building that will house this unit will significantly strengthen the fight against these crimes and other related crimes.
Bejaran expressed that it is a day of deep institutional, but above all human, significance. “The inauguration of these nnew installations is not a simple act administrative or protocol; It is, above all, a decision of the State and institutional strength,” he stated.
With this new building, the Public Ministry reinforces with facts the strategic, firm and sustained criminal prosecution against two of the most serious and complex expressions of organized crime: the illicit smuggling of migrants and human trafficking.
The magistrate explained that these facilities represent a real strengthening of the operational capabilities of the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office, by allowing a focused investigation and a strategic, comprehensive and sustained criminal prosecution, aimed not only at arresting the perpetrators, but at dismantling criminal networks, identifying financiers, pursuing the economic benefits of the crime and bringing those responsible to justice.
Likewise, he reaffirmed the Public Ministry’s commitment to justice focused on human dignity, legality and the effective protection of the most vulnerable people.
Bejaran highlighted that this prosecution policy is based on criminal intelligence, exhaustive investigations and inter-institutional coordination and cooperation, both at the national and international level, since these are crimes of a transnational nature that require articulated, technical and firm responses.
Elite unit against migrant smuggling
During the event, the formal opening of the Interinstitutional Specialized Unit against Illicit Migrant Trafficking (UITIMG) was announced, an elite unit made up of members of different intelligence and state security agencies, selected by the Public Ministry.
This unit will have advanced technological resources, a comprehensive continuing training program, special incentives and periodic evaluations, with the aim of guaranteeing institutional security and community protection.
Among its main functions will be the investigation of organizations involved in the illicit trafficking of migrants, including those who facilitate the entry of undocumented people into Dominican territory, recruit them, transport them or house them. Investigations that involve members of investigative agencies, State security and public officials will also be prioritized.
The unit will also work on the identification of routes, methods used by criminal networks and characteristics of the illicit market, as well as on the analysis of trends, profiles and patterns, in order to strengthen strategic prevention and effective criminal prosecution.
Dignified care for victims
Attorney Bejaran highlighted that these facilities represent much more than offices or equipment. “They represent capacity, institutional strength and, above all, responsibility,” he said.
“Our actions are expressly based on effective judicial protection as a fundamental right and guiding principle of the actions of the Public Ministry,” he stated, highlighting that this guarantees that each victim is heard, protected and accompanied throughout the judicial process, with respect, confidentiality, security and due diligence.
He stressed that the Attorney General’s Office provides comprehensive support to the victims, from the beginning to the end of the process, so that they feel protected and respected.
“The institutional message is clear: the State pursues, investigates and acts. We will not stop. We will remain firm in the fight to dismantle the structures that profit at the expense of human dignity,” he emphasized.
After 13 years of the creation of this Specialized Attorney’s Office, Bejaran indicated that the team finally receives a decent space, designed to guarantee specialized, respectful and people-centered care, which translates into greater efficiency, quality and better results.
Authorities present
Present at the opening ceremony were the Attorney General of the Republic, Yeni Berenice Reynoso; the Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Carlos Luciano Díaz Morfa; the Minister of the Interior and Police, Faride Raful; the communicator Miguel Franjul, among other guests.
The new building is located on Roberto Pastoriza Avenue, corner of Ortega y Gasset, in Ensanche Naco.
