I recently flew into Santiago from Miami. Five customs officials took great interest in my computer. They said I needed to pay taxes but as it was Saturday, the computer would need to stay with them and I could return monday to pay the tax. The five customs officials told me there was no customs officials there. I refused. I told them I would stay with the computer and would sleep on the floor if neccessary. The group huddled in the corner and a whispered conversation took place.
I was informed they would 'help' me. I could pay my 'tax' now and go. The tax was US$200. We discussed the level of help for over half an hour. Finally, disgusted, I placed the US$200 under a cardboard box as instructed and left.
You learn many things in the DR. One of them you learn at the airport before you even clear customs. Your teachers are government officials who are representives of the Dominican people. The lesson you learn is don't invest or do business in the DR.