Santo Domingo.– The Public Ministry presented this Sunday the set of crimes that are charged to those involved in the alleged million-dollar fraud against the National Health Insurance (Senasa)a structure that, according to authorities, operated for more than four years diverting funds intended for the medical care of thousands of members.
Among the charges leveled are coalition of officials, prevarication, association of evildoerscollection of bribes, fraud against the Dominican State, embezzlement, falsification, use of false documents and money laundering, all linked to a corruption scheme that would have operated from the administration of the state ARS itself, with the support of officials and service providers.
The Public Ministry indicated that the evidence collected shows large scale briberyadulteration of financial statements, programs without legal basis used to divert resources and systematic fraudulent maneuvers, which directly affected the budget allocated to health services.
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The Attorney General of the Republic, Yeni Berenice Reynosodeclared that the prosecution body works so that those who violated the constitutional right to health face justice and return every stolen peso to the State.
Criminal liability and damage to the health system
“The Public Ministry reiterates its unwavering commitment to fighting corruption. Those who have especially affected those most in need will have to answer for their criminal acts“, stated Reynoso, recalling that Senasa is a collective heritage whose funds belong to the entire population.
The head of the Public Ministry pointed out that the necessary efforts are being made to guarantee both criminal sanctions and the recovery of money diverted from the public health system.
According to the authorities, the structure would have operated with the joint participation of directors, employees and private providers, who allegedly benefited from the systematic diversion of resources.
The case, which continues in the investigation phase, could reveal amounts higher than those already estimated, according to the Public Ministry itself.
Specialized team in charge of the investigation
The investigation is led by the deputy prosecutor Wilson Camachohead of the General Directorate of Prosecution, and the court attorney Mirna Ortizfrom the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for the Prosecution of Administrative Corruption (Pepca).
Both coordinate a team of prosecutors who are experts in organized crime, who have been carrying out raids, interviews and analysis of financial documents in order to strengthen the file.
The authorities reiterated that the process will continue to advance until all criminal responsibilities are established and the recovery of public resources allegedly stolen is achieved.
The Public Ministry assured that more people and companies remain under investigation and could be prosecuted as the investigations progress.
In the case, there are already eight people arrested by the Public Ministry, headed by the former director of Senasa, Santiago Hazimin the investigation of the alleged million-dollar fraud that exceeds 12 billion pesos.
