Arrested on Vacation

I got into an argument in Cuba once with a cab driver!! tried to charge us an outrageous amount for a fare....As soon as I mentioned Canadian Embassy, he shut up took what I offered and we never saw him again!

I trust the Canadian Embassy has major pull over the majority! I've never heard of being falsely accused for crimes, but I don't doubt it has happened. Nor is it something I would like to see happen to any tourist.

Have heard of a scam... a tourist inquires where to buy drugs. A transaction is agreed upon. The drugs are delivered. The dealer then notifies the police and the tourist is set up for extortion. The drugs are used for the next tourist. Stay away from drugs when visiting the DR.

Dolores said:

Have heard of a scam... a tourist inquires where to buy drugs. A transaction is agreed upon. The drugs are delivered. The dealer then notifies the police and the tourist is set up for extortion. The drugs are used for the next tourist. Stay away from drugs when visiting the DR.

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Could not have said it better!!!!

http://www.dr1.com/forums/north-east-coast/76061-expensive-photo-session-sosua.html

Another scam!!!! As told by Bushbaby!!!!

Thanks

I think it would depend on the country, the crime, the circumstances, the embassy involved, and the amount of political pull you, or your lawyer, has.

In Cuba, since Canada sends a lot of tourists their way, the Canadian Embassy has some major pull, and I'm sure they are willing to use it. Of course, for the US, the opposite is true in Cuba. The US diplomatic mission in Cuba has zero pull, and unless you work for the CIA, there's not much they can or will do for you there.

In the Dominican Republic, while the US Embassy has major pull, they are hesitant to use it in criminal cases that aren't clearly falsified, or that involve a person of some notoriety. Their pull is used mostly for commercial interests, and they are not really interested in expending political capital on criminal cases, aside from ensuring basic representation, and perhaps notifying your family.

I think the best course of action in the DR is to basically stay out of trouble, and don't plan on a whole lot of help from the boys at the US embassy. If it is clearly a falsified case, you might get some relief, but you had better be absolutely certain you are able to prove what you claim, to both the DR authorities and to the US Embassy. Otherwise, I imagine you'd be in for some tough sledding.

This is just my opinion, and you should not confuse anyone's opinion for established fact. Just be careful, have access to a good lawyer, and don't expect to be facing a fair or particularly honorable justice system. Remember, money talks, and things aren't always as they seem.

bronxboyatheart said:

http://www.dr1.com/forums/north-east-coast/76061-expensive-photo-session-sosua.html

Another scam!!!! As told by Bushbaby!!!!

Thanks

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Perhaps you did not fully understand the post, as some details were omitted, but it was not a scam.
The mentioned person posted some sexy pix of a chica on the net without her consent.
She found out and had him arrested.
The case was settled by financial compensation.

Rocky said:

Perhaps you did not fully understand the post, as some details were omitted, but it was not a scam.
The mentioned person posted some sexy pix of a chica on the net without her consent.
She found out and had him arrested.
The case was settled by financial compensation.

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Got it.

Thanks

Agghh... the DR extortion memories

Reminds me of a few years ago when during two different trips I got stopped while driving rented cars - one by Police officers in a patrol car and the other by an armed police impostor in a motorcycle accusing me of traffic infractions and letting me go in exchange for la mordida.

The incident with the Police officers occurred very late at night after a little gambling in the casinos with a friend. Their lights started flashing in a dark, desolate area of the SD Malecon (George Washington Ave.) heading towards Haina. But I continued driving and stopped only after I saw a wachiman guarding an entrance to a gate.

Needless to say, after heavily arguing with them, including unsuccessfully calling my cousin who was a Police Captain at the time, I gave them a few pesos. Afterwards, analyzing what happened and could have happened, I realized I was in mortal danger.

I readily subscribe...I used to behave on the same manner, like being on the NJ turnpike, arguing with Malborough deputies...then I slowly learned the way things work in the DR...thank God that I was was lucky to learn from someone else experiences instead of mine. When in Rome...

I dont think the OP has got an answer to the question....

First I will say to avoid potential problems as much as possible. Read everything you can on DR1 before you go on vacation. For most tourists who come to this country and really don't venture out of the hotels - this is not an issue.

For those who like to get out and enjoy this country
- be aware
- don't do anything here you would not do at home
- if it seems to good to be true then it is too good to be true
- be nice to us on DR1 who can give you advice
- be nice to locals, be respectful to locals!
- dont' flash a lot of money, jewellery etc.

IF you get in trouble:
- have some contact numbers on you, your tour operator rep, the hotel you are staying at, anyone you know in this country, your embassy office
- be respectful but cautious
- don't sign anything you do not fully understand
- don't pay a lot of money until you understand what is going on

This is not a complete list but just a start!!!

Planner--and a good list at that.

Permit me to add. Remember you're in THEIR country. Their bat and ball no matter what your temperment. Stay cool. If you're from NY DON'T put on your game face, like I USED TO DO. Doesn't work as well as listening, negotiate, fake your language skills, and not be a smart a$$.

In addition, have a network of friends and associates to help you if you get into trouble. Have their contact #'s available, but don't be bragadoisio about it. Treat the cop with RESPECT as much as you don't like it and know you're right.

An example of how you should behave: Ever hang out with an illegal in the U.S.? Follow their lead is my advise.

If only the DR police were like the Cuban Police. Castro has very harsh penalties for any of his citizens assaulting or robbing a tourist. A young man on the street in Havana that I had met the day before waved at me and called my name and he got a 1USD ticket for hastling a tourist. I paid it for him. I was told that if a tourist was mugged and robbed in the street they would shut the surrounding city blocks down with special police and find the guy at any cost and give him 25 years in jail. The comunists know where the money comes from. Havana cops make in pesos 18 US Dollars a month. Tourists spend 600 dollars a week or more.

police

There are tourist police and national police. Be careful of the tourist police.
DO NOT BUY ILLEGAL DRUGS - your two week vacation will turn into a ten year vacation - dominican prisions make those in the US look like a 5 star hotel

oops

I mean be careful of the National Police.

elboriqua said:

Or if you are just arrested in general, what can the embassy do for you?

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Are you asking, because, you are planning to get into problem?

Think twice before getting into problem in the DR, because if you got locked up in jail, if you don't have family to bring you food everyday, you will have to eat dog food, and prepare to live in hell on Earth.

Think twice, trice, and hard don't get into problem, control you Boricua blood, the DR jail will tame you, no matter how wild you think you are.

Drugs, as a lot of us know, is a HUGE tabboo in the DR. You could do a year in jail for a simple joint.