US official arrested in Santo Domingo on suspicion of visa fraud involving informants
A senior official from the US anti-drugs office in the Dominican Republic has been arrested as part of an investigation into the alleged misuse of visas granted to confidential collaborators.
US official arrested in Santo Domingo on suspicion of visa fraud involving informants
US authorities have detained a senior official from the DEA office located in the Dominican Republic in the context of an investigation examining the possible misuse of a visa system for confidential collaborators. The information was confirmed to The Associated Press by two people connected to the case: an active-duty official and another who left their post.
The detainee was identified as Melitón Cordero. According to sources consulted by the news agency, the operation was carried out by agents from the US Department of Homeland Security. Both individuals asked to remain anonymous because the investigation is still ongoing.
The arrest occurred at a time when the Donald Trump administration decided to suddenly close the anti-drugs office in the Caribbean nation. Ambassador Leah F. Campos issued a statement on social media in which she described the facts as a "repugnant and shameful violation of public trust", adding that she would not permit "even the perception of corruption" in the diplomatic mission under her charge. The representative ordered the temporary suspension of the office's activities without providing further details on the reasons.
The Dominican Foreign Minister, Roberto Álvarez, came forward to point out that the measure does not result from actions by the local government, but rather responds to an internal process of US institutions.
The visa programme in question allows agencies such as the DEA and FBI to facilitate entry into US soil for foreigners who, under normal circumstances, would be rejected due to their links to the criminal world. These individuals must provide assistance to investigations and, after a period, may be eligible for permanent residence.
Six years ago, an oversight body within the Department of Justice had already warned of serious flaws in this mechanism. The document revealed that law enforcement agencies had lost track of approximately one thousand programme beneficiaries, which created dangers for public safety and the state given the criminal nature of some of these individuals.
The Dominican Republic is a key route for drug trafficking originating from South America. The territory's police forces have maintained close cooperation with US agencies for decades. In fact, in November last year, President Luis Abinader authorised US personnel to operate in restricted areas of the San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport in order to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking.
Attempts to contact Cordero by telephone were unsuccessful. There was also no response from the DEA or the Department of Homeland Security to requests for statements.
_Source: CTPost / The Associated Press_
Source: Google News DM — Crime