Crime by type
Murder
As of September 20Illegal drug trade
The Dominican Republic has become a trans-shipment point for Colombian drugs destined to Europe as well as the United States and Canada. Money laundering via the Dominican Republic is favored by the drug cartels for the ease of illicit financial transactions. In 2004, it was estimated that 8% of all cocaine smuggled into the United States had come through the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic responded with increased efforts to seize drug shipments, arrest and extradite those involved, and combat money-laundering.Robbery
Purse snatchers and briefcase thieves are known to work hotel bars and restaurants waiting for unknowing guests to place these items on chairs or under tables. Pools or beaches are attractive areas for thieves."Dominican Republic 2014 Crime and Safety Report", Overseas Security Advisory Council, US State Department, 10 July 2014.Kidnapping
There is a low risk of kidnapping in the Dominican Republic. Victims of reported cases include tourists, family members, and common citizens. Some victims have reported being abducted by men in police uniforms or similar clothing, and having been told that their identity needed to be verified. Kidnappers take victims to an undisclosed location and hold them from a few hours to a couple of days."Dominican Republic 2020 Crime and Safety Report", Overseas Security Advisory Council, US State Department, 10 July 2020.Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Santo Domingo as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. There are no known organized domestic terrorist groups. Santo Domingo experienced its first incident of domestic terrorism in 2014, when a male ignited an incendiary device on a crowded subway car, killing one person and injuring dozens. The Dominican Republic is an integral part of the Caribbean, with several international airports. As such, it is a likely transit point for extremists from within the region, Africa, and Europe.By location
o
High crime areas in the cDomingo, Cristo Rey, Los Mina and Villa Agricola.References
{{Americas topic, Crime in Crime in the Dominican Republic,