Cell phone theft is punishable by up to 20 years in prison

Under the new Dominican Republic Penal Code, the theft of mobile phones is now classified as an aggravated robbery. This reclassification allows for prison sentences of up to 20 years for offenders, reflecting the high frequency of these crimes within the country.

Procuradora General Yeni Berenice Reynoso confirmed the legislative change, noting that the severity of the punishment is intended to address the prevalence of phone theft. The measure aims to curb the high rate of these specific incidents through increased judicial penalties.