27°C
New Dominican Penal Code Expands Business Liability and Targets Cybercrime
Journalist José Peguero says the Dominican Republic's newly approved Penal Code establishes clearer responsibilities for businesses and service providers while introducing legal tools to prosecute cybercrime, online fraud, and pyramid schemes.
SANTO DOMINGO — The Dominican Republic’s new Penal Code introduces provisions that broaden the legal responsibilities of business owners and managers while strengthening the country’s ability to prosecute emerging crimes such as cyber fraud and pyramid schemes, according to journalist José Peguero.
Speaking during a telephone interview on the program Una Nueva Mañana, Peguero said the legislation clarifies the obligations of companies that operate businesses or provide services, particularly regarding the safety and protection of customers inside their facilities.
Businesses Face Greater Duty of Care
Peguero argued that the new legal framework makes it more difficult for businesses to avoid responsibility through notices or disclaimers stating they are not liable for incidents affecting customers.
He said the code establishes a chain of responsibility that applies to a wide range of establishments, including clinics, hospitals, and other businesses, with the aim of ensuring that citizens remain protected under the law if their rights are violated while using those services.
“When we strengthen the responsibility of businesses, it becomes clear that simply displaying a sign saying they are not responsible is no longer enough,” Peguero said, adding that the legislation seeks to prevent victims from being left without legal protection.
New Criminal Offenses Included in the Code
Beyond the provisions affecting businesses, Peguero said the revised Penal Code should also be assessed for the new criminal offenses it introduces. He highlighted measures targeting pyramid schemes, internet fraud, and other forms of cybercrime, areas that he believes were not adequately addressed under the previous legislation.
According to Peguero, the updated legal framework provides prosecutors with stronger tools to pursue criminal organizations that exploit legal gaps through online scams and fraudulent investment schemes. He also referred to financial crimes affecting the country’s banking system, stating that fraudulent online transactions have caused losses amounting to billions of Dominican pesos each year.
Debate Over Freedom of Expression
Peguero acknowledged that some sections of the new Penal Code, particularly those related to freedom of expression, could eventually require review by the Constitutional Court. However, he argued that public discussion should not focus exclusively on those provisions while overlooking reforms intended to combat serious crimes.
In his view, although certain aspects of the legislation could be improved, the code represents an important step toward addressing modern criminal activities and defining legal responsibilities more clearly for individuals and businesses operating in the Dominican Republic.
