Agriculture personnel under investigation for alleged misuse of funds

Santo Domingo, DR —The Ministry of Agriculture has launched an internal investigation involving members of its security and finance departments. 

According to an official statement, the personnel involved have been suspended from their duties until the use of the resources allocated to the security department is clarified.

According to reports, those suspended include Santiago Regalado, head of security at the Ministry, and Colonel Harel Katz, head of the Department of Military Security.

The Ministry assured that once the investigation, which began two weeks ago, is concluded, the public will be informed and, if necessary, action will be taken in accordance with the law.

The institution emphasized that it is governed by a “permanent ethics committee” that ensures good conduct and the proper use of state resources.

He also clarified that, to date, no officials have been detained or are under investigation by the Central Directorate of Criminal Investigations (Dicrim) or the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for the Prosecution of Administrative Corruption (Pepca).

New security appointments

In relation to this situation, the Minister of Agriculture, Limber Cruz, issued a resolution on August 19 appointing a new security team:

Colonel Rafael Antonio Lara Díaz of the National Police was appointed director of the Ministry’s Department of Military Security, and Major Omni Omar López Meran of the Dominican Air Force was appointed assistant to the director.

While Colonel Freddy Schuwer Febrillet, of the National Police, took over as plant security coordinator, and Lieutenant Colonel Pedro Paúl de la Cruz, also from the public order corps, was assigned as duty supervisor.

The resolution rescinds previous designations, including resolutions RES-MARD-220-80 and 81, dated October 19 and 22, 2020.

What is an internal investigation?

An internal investigation of a state institution is a formal, administrative process carried out by the entity itself to examine and clarify possible irregularities, misconduct, or non-compliance with internal regulations by its officials or employees.

The primary objective of an internal investigation is to determine whether a violation occurred, who is responsible, and what corrective or disciplinary measures should be taken.

It is an administrative process, not a judicial one. Although it can lead to one if evidence of a crime is found, its initial nature is administrative and is governed by the institution’s own regulations.

The highest authority of the institution orders it upon becoming aware of a possible irregularity. The focus is on gathering evidence, testimony, and documents to establish the truth.