Santo Domingo. – The Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (INDOTEL) announced the availability of RD$300 million for the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) to implement a system of signal blockers in the country’s prisons.
This measure seeks to combat the growing incidence of cybercrime and telephone fraud originating from prisons.
Indotel’s Board of Directors approved the necessary funds, reaffirming its commitment to creating a safe digital environment, prioritizing technologies that strengthen security in the prison system.
According to the president of Indotel, Guido Gómez Mazarathese resources will allow the PGR to launch the tender to acquire the signal blockers. “Indotel will provide the resources, but the responsibility for the bidding falls on the Attorney General’s Office,” stated Gómez Mazara.
In a letter addressed to the Attorney General, Miriam Germán Brito, Gómez Mazara explained that the statistics on crimes committed from prisons are alarming, which motivated the rapid provision of the funds. “90% of fraudulent calls in the country are made from prisons,” he stressed, highlighting the importance of eradicating these criminal activities.
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In addition, he announced the launch of an educational campaign to raise awareness among the population about fraudulent calls and their negative impact, in order to prevent these crimes.
To ensure the correct administration of the funds, INDOTEL requested that the General Budget Directorate supervise the use and execution of the resources, thus guaranteeing the transparency and effectiveness of the project.
The plan to install signal blockers will begin in four strategic penitentiary centers: El Pino in La Vega, the Correction and Rehabilitation Center of 15 in Azua, Anamuya in Higüey, and the Santiago penitentiary facility. These centers were selected due to the high incidence of cybercrimes committed through mobile phones.
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The implementation of these blockers will not only protect digital security, but also national security, by preventing inmates from using mobile devices to commit electronic fraud, extortion and other illicit activities that affect citizens and businesses throughout the Dominican Republic.
The misuse of mobile phones within penitentiary centers has been identified as one of the main tools for the execution of cybercrimes. Currently, more than 85% of fraudulent calls that affect the population come from these facilities, which highlights the urgency of this initiative.
