Dominican Republic and Colombia create joint team to combat human trafficking

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic and Colombia signed an agreement to establish a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) aimed at strengthening cooperation against transnational organized crime, particularly human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

The agreement was signed by Dominican Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso and Colombian Attorney General Luz Adriana Camargo Garzón, under the framework of the UN Palermo Convention and the criminal laws of both countries.

Reynoso said the agreement includes an operational plan designed to ensure faster and more effective cooperation between prosecutors and highlighted human trafficking as a priority crime for the Dominican authorities.

She stressed that trafficking violates human dignity by treating people as commodities and requires a comprehensive response from governments and law enforcement agencies.

Camargo Garzón said the agreement represents another step in Colombia’s efforts to combat transnational crime through coordinated investigations and the systematic exchange of information with other countries.

She also emphasized the importance of following criminal money flows, particularly those used to finance the movement and exploitation of victims between countries.

The Dominican Republic has previously established a Joint Investigation Team with Chile. Authorities said the new agreement with Colombia will strengthen their ability to conduct coordinated investigations and dismantle criminal networks operating across borders.