Pepca says Operation Cobra is the most serious corruption case; hearing adjourned until Thursday 11th

Santo Domingo.- The director of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for the Prosecution of Administrative Corruption (Pepca), Mirna Ortiz, assured this Tuesday that Operation Cobra is “the most serious corruption case” presented by the Public Ministry, because it directly affects the right to health of Dominicans.

Ortiz explained that the money that should have been used to help the most vulnerable population was diverted, leaving thousands of people without essential resources.

“They stole money from healthcare, from the insurance of the poorest, from those who cannot afford private insurance and depend on hospitals where there are often no beds or medications,” said the magistrate.

The official pointed out that the detected fraud amounts to some RD$15 billion, and that more than RD$2 billion had been paid in bribes to senior officials in the health sector.

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He indicated that in this first stage there are doctors, businessmen and companies charged, including companies that would have been used to launder money and pay bribes. Ortiz also explained that the investigation will continue to advance to identify all those responsible.

Hearing adjourned

The magistrate informed that the coercion measure hearing was postponed to Thursday, December 11th at 2 p.m., at the request of the defendants' lawyers, who asked for more time to review the file.

"The file is very voluminous. In respect of the right to defense, the judge decided to give them more time. On Thursday we will be ready to resume the hearing," Ortiz affirmed.

The director of Pepca reiterated that the Public Ministry has abundant documentary and testimonial evidence that supports each of the accusations.