Dominican Republic - December 2025

In December, the Dominican Republic's Public Prosecutor launched ‘Operation Cobra’, exposing a massive corruption scheme within the National Health Insurance agency (SeNaSa), implicating former director Santiago Hazim and other officials. Those implicated allegedly embezzled over DOP 15 billion (approximately USD 236.5 million) through fraudulent contracts, bribes, and double accounting practices, severely impacting public health funds. Prosecutors revealed that bribes exceeded DOP 2 billion (USD 31.5 million), and public funds were diverted from essential healthcare services. The scandal has sparked nationwide protests, with hundreds of citizens demanding accountability and systemic reforms to prevent future misuse of public resources. In response, a judge ordered several of the accused to be held in pretrial detention while investigations are ongoing. 

Sources: AP News, Ministerio Publico, El Nacional, Diario Listín, Dominican Today, Diario Libre