Santo Domingo recently hosted the Franco-Dominican Seminar on the Fight against Human Trafficking and the Protection of Minors from New Threats, held from October 14 to 17. The event marked a significant step in deepening collaboration between the Dominican Republic and France to address critical issues such as human trafficking and digital threats to minors. Organized by the French Embassy, the Dominican National Police, and the Public Ministry, the seminar brought together 30 members of the National Police, 13 representatives of the Public Ministry, and key organizations including CONANI, Save the Children, UNODC, and European police attachés.
French experts from the Central Office for the Suppression of Human Trafficking (OCRTEH) and the Office for Minors (OFMIN) led discussions on combating online child pornography, the misuse of artificial intelligence in victim recruitment, and exploitation via social media. Additional topics included the dangers of deepfakes, cybercrime protocols, and strategies to dismantle transnational criminal networks. French Ambassador Sonia Barbry emphasized the global nature of these threats, stating, ‘No country is exempt from this challenge,’ and underscoring the need for skilled professionals to tackle evolving digital exploitation tactics.
Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful acknowledged France’s continued support and highlighted successful initiatives like Operation Begonia, which rescued 41 victims. The seminar concluded with the signing of a bilateral roadmap aimed at enhancing police cooperation, advancing training programs, and strengthening the investigative capabilities of DICRIM.