Operation Onco14 targets alleged embezzlement of funds intended for cancer patients

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s Public Prosecutor’s Office launched Operation Onco14, resulting in the arrest of three former executives linked to the administration of the Cibao Regional Cancer Institute (IORC) for allegedly orchestrating a multimillion-peso fraud scheme against the National Health Insurance system, Seguro Nacional de Salud.

Those arrested include Héctor Antonio Lora Cruceta, former president of the board overseeing the Cibao Cancer Foundation and member of the IORC board; Luisa Yasiris Guzmán; and Dilcia Isabel Vargas Sánchez. Authorities allege that the defendants, together with affiliated entities, used fraudulent mechanisms to divert funds intended for cancer patient care and services covered by SeNaSa.

The investigation, led by the Public Ministry’s Directorate General of Prosecution, the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for the Prosecution of Administrative Corruption (PEPCA), and the Santiago Prosecutor’s Office, alleges that the group operated a criminal structure involving fraud against the state, criminal association, bribery, cyber-related offenses, and money laundering. Prosecutors say the scheme exploited public resources allocated for cancer treatment, causing financial harm to both the state and beneficiaries of the subsidized health system.

During raids carried out as part of Operation Onco14, authorities seized cash, vehicles, property titles, electronic devices, documents, and a firearm. Prosecutors maintain that the accused sought to maintain control over the IORC and its resources in order to benefit from public funds designated for cancer patients, while investigations continue into the participation of additional employees and associates allegedly linked to the scheme.