A United Front Against Illicit Trade: Public and Private Sectors Join Forces

In a concerted effort to combat illicit trade, the Dominican Republic is bolstering its strategies through enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors. Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs, Víctor (Ito) Bisonó, and Attorney general Yeni Berenice Reynoso recently convened the Public-Private Interinstitutional Council for Illicit Trade Prevention to outline the 2025 agenda and assess progress.

The meeting, hosted at the Attorney General’s Office, underscored the effectiveness of recent law enforcement operations and highlighted new initiatives aimed at increasing clarity and prosecuting illicit trade crimes. This collaborative approach is seen as crucial in safeguarding citizens and ensuring fair competition within the Dominican market.

Government’s Commitment: Prioritizing Citizen Safety and Fair Competition

Minister Bisonó emphasized the government’s dedication to citizen safety and fair competition, stating that the strategies implemented under President Luis Abinader’s administration have been highly effective. He specifically noted the role of the Specialized Corps of Fuel Control and Commerce of Merchandise (CECCOM) in successful operations and prosecutions.

The operations with the Team of the Specialized Corps of Fuel Control and Commerce of Merchandise (CECCOM), as well as the sentences achieved to date, demonstrate the effectiveness of the strategies implemented in the government of President Luis Abinader to guarantee the safety of citizens and loyal competence.
Víctor (Ito) Bisonó, Minister of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs

A notable achievement highlighted was the absence of fatalities linked to adulterated alcohol consumption since 2022, attributed to the measures implemented through the illicit trade coordination framework. This underscores the tangible impact of the government’s proactive stance.

Attorney General’s Vision: Prevention as a Key Strategy

Yeni Berenice Reynoso, participating in her first Council session as Attorney General, stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach that extends beyond prosecution to include proactive prevention. She emphasized the Public Ministry’s role in leading an effective prevention policy against illicit trade.

For us this alliance is very important… I firmly believe and we are quite worried about the illicit trade, as we certainly know the evils that it generates in society and what this topic produces.
Yeni Berenice Reynoso, Attorney General

Reynoso also expressed her ambition for the Dominican Republic’s model for combating illicit trade to become a regional benchmark, acknowledging Minister Bisonó’s proactive engagement as vital to enhancing the efficiency of these efforts.

Private Sector’s Role: Driving Economic Progress Through Fair Competition

Mario Pujols, Executive Vice President of the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD), presented the private sector’s initiatives in combating illicit trade. He emphasized that illicit trade and unfair competition pose significant challenges to economic development.

Illicit trade and unfair competition represent a challenge for economic development. it is essential to continue strengthening efforts to combat it and promote a fair competition surroundings that drives productivity and growth of the country.
Mario Pujols, Executive Vice President of AIRD

Representatives from various sectoral guilds, including Adaface, Rivlas, Associgate, Procigo, Infadomi, ARAPF, SEC, and ADEIC, also participated, underscoring the importance of public-private collaboration in eradicating illicit trade. These groups acknowledged the government’s commitment and proposed actions to be integrated into a coordinated action plan.

Erick Pérez del Toro, representing the Dominican Association of the Cigarette Industry (Associgate), highlighted the Dominican Republic as a regional leader in combating illicit trade, particularly in the cigarette sector, attributing this success to consistent commitment.

Recent Successes: Seizures and Dismantling of Illegal Operations

Recent operations have yielded significant results. On March 20, the MICM and CECCOM dismantled a clandestine alcohol factory in Cabral, Barahona, seizing over 13,300 liters of illicit alcohol. The operation, led by Minister Bisonó and General César Miranda (Director of CECCOM), involved raids supported by the Public Ministry and the National Police. Additionally, authorities destroyed 38 illegal alcohol sites to prevent commercialization and protect public health.

In 2024,a record seizure of 41,417,395 units of illicit merchandise was made,including 34,678,161 tobacco units,83,761 alcohol bottles,6,478,161 medicine units,50,832 units of “clerén” type alcohol,and 26,480 sexual stimulant units. In 2025, authorities have already confiscated 15,215,708 illicit merchandise units.

notable cases include the arrest of the Genao brothers in February, following the seizure of over 13,000 alcohol bottles and 41,800 counterfeit cigarettes, demonstrating the ongoing efforts to dismantle smuggling networks.

New Initiatives for 2025: Leveraging Technology and Public Perception

To further strengthen the fight against illicit trade, the MICM introduced two key initiatives for 2025. The first is the “Dashboard” of illicit trade, an innovative platform designed to centralize and visualize real-time data on actions taken by involved institutions, facilitating decision-making and promoting transparency.

Attorney General Reynoso expressed interest in extending the fight to address illicit cyber commerce, recognizing the growing importance of tackling these crimes in the digital realm.

The second initiative is the first National Survey on Lawful Trade in the Dominican Republic. This study will assess public perception of the impact of smuggling and falsification on the economy and society,aiming to develop more effective strategies and enhance public awareness.

additionally, plans are underway to modify and relaunch the Public-Private Collaboration Agreement for combating illicit trade in hotel areas, including the Attorney General’s Office, to strengthen strategic alliances and ensure more effective prosecution of these crimes.