Standing Together for Justice: 20 Women Rescued in Puerto Plata

At the Anti-Trafficking Bureau (ATB), our mission is to confront the dark reality of human exploitation and restore the dignity of those caught in its grip. We are proud to share that on January 27, 2026, a major joint operation resulted in the rescue of 20 women who were being sexually exploited in Puerto Plata. This successful mission was made possible through the close collaboration between the Anti-Trafficking Bureau (ATB), the Specialized Prosecutor's Office Against Illicit Trafficking of Migrants and Human Trafficking (PETT), and the Puerto Plata Prosecutor's Office.

The Operation: Dismantling the Network

The rescue was the result of simultaneous raids conducted by several elite units, including the Joint Investigation Unit Against Illicit Trafficking of Migrants and Related Crimes (UITIMC) and the Special Division for Investigation of Transnational Crimes (DEIDET) of the National Police.

The interventions took place at three primary locations:

* Keobs Night Club on Calle Las Palomas,,.

* The Carlos III building on Calle Primera de Cerros del Atlántico,,.

* A local hotel in the municipality of Puerto Plata.

The Faces of Exploitation

The victims, who included Dominican, Haitian, and Colombian nationals, were held under severe conditions of coercion and limited freedom. Investigation reports reveal that the criminal network forced these women to perform private dances for clients while the administrators of the establishments directly pocketed the fees.

Justice in Action

During the operation, authorities arrested four key individuals linked to the network: Rocío Nicole Paulino (known as “Mamasan”), Vanesa Sirete de Ventura, Medelyn Antorcha Francisco Cortés, and Luis Carlos Céspedes Herrera,,. Law enforcement is currently pursuing one additional woman connected to the ring.

In addition to the arrests, a significant amount of evidence and assets were seized, including:

* A 12-gauge shotgun with over 20 cartridges.

* Approximately 900,000 pesos and $26,600 USD in cash.

* Items of yellow metal (presumed to be gold), electronic equipment, and two vehicles—a Hyundai Sonata and a Suzuki.

Upholding the Law

Procurator Yoana Bejarán, head of PETT, emphasized that these criminal actions are a direct violation of Law 137-03 on the Illicit Trafficking of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons. This operation was a coordinated effort led by Bejarán alongside Puerto Plata Chief Prosecutor Kelmi Duncan Torres and Prosecutor Carmelina Soto.

Our Continued Commitment

The Anti-Trafficking Bureau (ATB) remains dedicated to supporting these survivors on their journey to recovery and ensuring that those who profit from human misery are held accountable. This operation serves as a reminder that through strategic partnerships with the National Police and the Public Ministry, we can dismantle these networks and protect the most vulnerable in our society.

Together, we can end human trafficking.