A judge has ratified the preventive detention of several high-ranking officials involved in the National Health Insurance (Senasa) case, including its former director, Santiago Hazim. The Specialized Prosecution Office for Administrative Corruption (PEPCA) argues these measures are essential to prevent interference with the ongoing investigation.
The initial charges against Santiago Hazim, the former executive director of Senasa, involve a massive fraud scheme estimated at RD$15 billion (approximately US$250 million).
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has accused the suspects of forming a criminal group with private business to defraud the state. Hazim and six other defendants are accused of bribery. The prosecution investigation says that more than RD$2 billion (approximately US$31 million) was paid in bribes to high-ranking Senasa officials.
Other charges are of fraud and embezzlement, whereby public funds intended for healthcare were diverted.
The file also mentions money laundering with private sector businessmen and legal entities accused of hiding the illicit origin of the funds.
The investigation so far reveals that the corruption focused on healthcare services for the country’s poorest citizens.
Among other key details in the file are the payments to deceased individuals and charges were made for expensive medical procedures that were never actually performed.
Hazim is also accused of collusion with medical groups and private sector executives.
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Listin Diario
5 May 2026