Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Director Robert S. Mueller III, offered his cooperation to the Dominican authorities yesterday in the fight against public corruption, drug trafficking, people smuggling, terrorism, and violent crime. He also stated that the FBI would continue to offer assistance in cases involving collapsed Dominican banks if they affected the United States. According to Diario Libre, Mueller stated that economic “white-collar” crime must be fought against so that people who affect the income of citizens who work hard for their money, are sent to jail. Mueller was speaking during a meeting with President Leonel Fernandez in the presence of US ambassador Hans Hertell. The FBI will also continue to share experience and training with homologous institutions in the DR, especially now that the new criminal code places greater emphasis on battling public corruption, and has become a model for other countries wanting to tackle some of the most difficult areas of law enforcement, stated Mueller. After the meeting, Mueller had lunch with the President, Attorney General Francisco Dominguez Brito, Executive Branch Legal Consultant Cesar Pina Toribio, Chief of Police Bernardo Sanatana Paez, Secretary of the Presidency Danilo Medina, Interior and Police Minister Franklin Almeyda and Anti-Narcotics Consultant Marino Vinicio Castillo. During a meeting with AG Dominguez Brito, Mueller discussed the DR’s participation in the fight against international crime and other topics.
Listin Diario indicates that Mueller declared that during the current government administration there has been increased police and intelligence capacity. He said that intelligence institutions in both countries have performed joint investigations into drug trafficking and people smuggling. Also, there have been several cases of people trying to enter the US who were found to be involved with terrorist groups.
El Caribe indicates that Mueller’s visit to the Presidential Palace involved strict security measures. The FBI chief answered journalist’s questions in the President’s office prior to the luncheon.