Santiago Prosecutor’s Office charges 21 in major cybercrime operation targeting elderly Americans

Santiago.- The Santiago Prosecutor’s Office has formally charged 21 individuals, including two corporate entities, involved in a cybercrime network that defrauded elderly Americans of millions of dollars. The charges come as a result of Operation Discovery 2.0, an extensive investigation that exposed fraudulent schemes targeting the insurance and retirement funds of hundreds of senior citizens in the U.S.

The 950-page indictment includes over 450 pieces of evidence, such as documents, expert testimony, and material findings. The investigation was supported by the Special Division for the Investigation of Transnational Crimes, the National Police, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the New York Police. The accused face charges of fraud, intimidation, identity theft, and money laundering.

The criminal network operated through clandestine call centers in Santiago, using sophisticated methods to steal from vulnerable elderly victims. Several defendants remain in preventive detention, while others are being extradited to the U.S. The prosecution has requested the confiscation of assets, including vehicles, property, and cash. The case highlights the serious impact on both the Dominican Republic’s international image and its economy, particularly in relation to tourism.