Dominican Republic and France join efforts against human trafficking and digital exploitation

Santo Domingo.- Authorities from the Dominican Republic and France have deepened their collaboration to combat human trafficking and protect minors from digital threats during the Franco-Dominican Seminar on the Fight against Human Trafficking and the Protection of Minors from New Threats, held from October 14 to 17 in Santo Domingo. The seminar gathered 30 members of the National Police and 13 representatives of the Public Ministry, coordinated by the French Embassy, the Dominican National Police, and the Public Ministry, with the participation of CONANI, Save the Children, UNODC, and European police attachés.

Throughout the sessions, French specialists from the Central Office for the Suppression of Human Trafficking (OCRTEH) and the Office for Minors (OFMIN) shared best practices and strategies to address online child pornography, the use of artificial intelligence in victim recruitment, and exploitation through social networks. Discussions also focused on deepfakes, cybercrime protocols, and the dismantling of transnational criminal networks. French Ambassador Sonia Barbry stressed that “no country is exempt from this threat,” highlighting the need for trained professionals to address the evolving challenges of digital exploitation.

Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful expressed gratitude for France’s ongoing support and noted achievements like Operation Begonia, which rescued 41 victims. The event concluded with the signing of a bilateral roadmap to strengthen police cooperation, ongoing training, and DICRIM’s investigative capacity.