US embassy cable - 04SANTODOMINGO6880

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 006880 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR WHA/CAR, G/TIP FOR RACHEL OWEN 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, DR 
SUBJECT: DOMINICANS MAKE TIP ARRESTS; GET ALIEN SMUGGLING 
CONVICTION 
 
1. Dominican authorities continue to crack down on illegal 
smuggling and trafficking operations, particularly where 
there is evidence of child sexual exploitation.  In late 
December, the district attorney,s office in Santiago, the 
Dominican Republic,s second largest city, closed two bars 
known for child prostitution and rescued nine minors between 
the ages of 14 and 16.  According to Assistant Attorney 
General Frank Soto, authorities in Santiago acted on an 
anonymous tip about illicit activities at these bars. 
Authorities arrested four people in the raids, all of whom 
are being held in preventive detention on charges of 
violating the 2003 law against alien smuggling and 
trafficking in persons (Law 137-03).  The minors have 
reportedly been returned to their homes or placed in the care 
of the state. 
 
2. These arrests are the latest in a series of efforts in 
Santiago to crack down on child sexual exploitation.  In 
October, police closed down a pornography ring and rescued 
several children.  One suspect in that case is in detention, 
another is free on bail, and a third is still being sought. 
 
3. In addition, a judge in the southwestern town of Neyba 
sentenced an alien smuggler to three years in jail and a 
1,500 peso fine (about USD 52) under Law 137-03.  Reports 
indicate that the smuggler, Christian Dorius, smuggled at 
least three Haitians across the border, charging them USD 200 
each.  According to the Haitian migrants, Dorius said that he 
would take them to the capital, but instead took them to a 
remote location and robbed them.  The migrants were 
encouraged to go to the authorities by Father Pedro Ruquoy, a 
Catholic priest who works in a sugar plantation near Barahona 
and is well known for his advocacy for Haitian migrant 
workers.  The migrants have since been repatriated to Haiti. 
Hertell