Twelve months of pretrial detention for two leaders of a human trafficking network dismantled in Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata.- A court imposed 12 months of pretrial detention against two alleged ringleaders of a human trafficking network for sexual exploitation, recently dismantled in the province of Puerto Plata. The measure, considered coercive, was issued after establishing their alleged involvement in serious crimes, including sexual abuse and aggravated pimping.

The accused were identified as Julio de la Cruz Vásquez, alias “Nacho” or “Gordo”, and Leonelis Rodríguez Martínez. Both will face charges of human trafficking to the detriment of women and adolescents, in accordance with the provisions of Law 137-03 and Law 136-03 on the protection of minors. The court also declared the case complex, which will allow for the extension of the investigative process deadlines. De la Cruz Vásquez also faces an additional charge of usurpation of functions, as he continued to identify himself as a member of the Dominican Air Force despite having been dismissed from that institution.

Prosecutor Julissa Gómez Camacho represented the Public Ministry during the hearing, held at the Judicial Office of Permanent Attention Services of Puerto Plata. The accused must serve the measure in the correction and rehabilitation centers San Felipe, in Puerto Plata, and Najayo Mujeres, in San Cristóbal.

Rescue of Victims and Dismantling of the Network

During the investigation, the Public Ministry raided a two-story villa in the Cupey sector, used as the network’s operations center. Nine victims were rescued at the scene, including six women between 18 and 28 years old, and three 17-year-old adolescents. Evidence that compromises the accused was also seized. The authorities determined that sexual services were offered in exchange for payments ranging from 120 to 400 dollars, and in a specific case, De la Cruz Vásquez is alleged to have received 1,600 dollars for the “service” of a minor.

Local Research with International Support

The operation, coordinated by the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office against the Illicit Trafficking of Migrants and Human Trafficking (PETT) and the Prosecutor’s Office of Puerto Plata, was launched following a confidential report received on March 13 by the Specialized Investigation Division against Migratory Crimes (Deidem), attached to the Dicrim.

The case has involved the collaboration of international agencies such as the Overseas Investigations Office of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) of the United States Embassy, which has strengthened the collection of evidence and the identification of other possible victims.

Authorities reiterated their commitment to combating human trafficking and urged citizens to confidentially report any suspicious activity related to these types of crimes.