Photo Credit: Savory & Partners,
Roseau, Dominica — In a move that has raised eyebrows among global investors and watchdog organizations alike, Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is reportedly cashing in on a troubling pattern of passport revocations and subsequent involvement with Interpol.
The Caribbean nation, known for its attractive CBI program, has recently revoked 68 passports issued under the scheme, citing fraud as the primary reason. This development comes amid rising concerns over the scrutiny of CBI investors and the potential repercussions of their citizenship status.
Dominica’s CBI program, which allows many wanted criminals to obtain citizenship through a financial investment, has long been a source of substantial revenue for the island nation. However, the recent trend of revoking passports after investors have made their financial contributions raises significant ethical and legal questions.
According to official sources, Dominica has revoked the passports of 68 CBI investors, alleging fraudulent activities and misrepresentations in their applications. Critics argue that this approach is part of a broader strategy to capitalize on the program’s financial benefits while minimizing the risks associated with problematic investors.
“This is a clear indication of a system that is more interested in making money than ensuring the integrity of its citizenship program,” said Dr. Maria Valdez, an international legal expert specializing in immigration law. “Revoking passports after receiving investment funds suggests a troubling exploitation of investors.”
Photo Credit: Interpol Signage,
The strategy appears to provide a financial windfall for Dominica. By revoking passports, the government retains the investment money, while the involvement of Interpol in tracking down these individuals provides an added layer of scrutiny and enforcement. Interpol’s database has historically been used to identify and apprehend individuals with questionable backgrounds. Recent reports indicate that many of Dominica CBI passport holders have been flagged by Interpol, leading to arrests and investigations in various countries. The involvement of Interpol in such cases highlights the potential dangers of a system that prioritizes profit over thorough vetting.
The dual profit strategy of keeping investment money while Dominica CBI passport holders are usually a red flag candidate for Interpol is problematic and has sparked outrage among critics and human rights advocates. They argue that such practices undermine the integrity of global citizenship programs and pose risks to international security.
“The Dominica CBI program has become a scheme where the government profits from both ends: from the investments and from the subsequent reporting or arrest of their passport holders,” said Jonathan Green, an anti-corruption activist. “This exploitation not only damages the reputation of Dominica but also raises serious ethical questions about the use of such programs.”
In response to the growing criticism, Dominica’s government has defended its actions, emphasizing that the revocations are a necessary measure to uphold the integrity of the citizenship program and combat fraud. Officials assert that the CBI program remains a vital source of revenue and a means of attracting foreign investment to support national development.
“We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of our CBI program,” said a government spokesperson. “The revocations are carried out based on clear evidence of fraud, and we continue to work closely with international agencies like Interpol to ensure that our program is secure and credible.”
As Dominica navigates the complexities of its CBI program, the growing concerns about passport revocations and Interpol involvement highlight the need for greater transparency and reform. Investors and international observers will be watching closely to see how the situation evolves and whether the government will address the criticisms of its citizenship strategy.
Commentaires