The DGA specified that it retained in 2020 (August-December) USD$ 5.2 billion; USD$ 7.2 by 2021; USD$ 2.4 billion by 2022; USD$ 1.8 billion by 2023 and USD$ 130, 397 in the first two months of 2024.

The seizures represent an upsurge of 190%, which is evidence of the commitment of the current management to crack down customs crimes, the DGA pointed out.

Dominican Customs explained that after a rigorous process of verification and investigation, it was determined that those currencies were illicit, and were transferred to the National Treasury.

The institution attributed that achievement largely to having pursued advanced technology during customs operations, including the X-ray systems installed in the country’s ports and airports, which make the detection of currency and illegal or prohibited objects in containers, luggage, merchandise and parcels more efficient.

The DGA highlighted the constant updates to the Risk Engine (MOR), which analyzes 188 indicators through Artificial Intelligence, which contributes to a better characterization of the cargo profile and to the re-inspection or manual review of the cargo, in case the system determines it.

In addition to those tools, there is the training of personnel, the reactivation and restructuring of the Canine Unit and the exchange or cross-referencing of information with other institutions of the State and other countries, established through inter-institutional agreements.

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