Anonymous wrote:Was it reported if there was anything of importance to this case on the young woman's phone? Early on it was mentioned the phone was taken from beach back to hotel by one of her friends. Maybe this part of story also has changed since it was first reported, but if it hasn't changed, did investigators find clues on young woman's phone?

The Dominican Republic has a high crime rate, with incidents ranging from petty theft and bag-snatching to violent crime, and tourists are particularly vulnerable in busy areas like airports and bus terminals. U.S. Department of State (.gov) advises travelers to exercise increased caution and be aware of their surroundings.

Here's a more detailed look at crime in the Dominican Republic:

Types of Crime:

Petty Crime:
Pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and theft from vehicles are common, especially in tourist areas and major cities like Santo Domingo.

Violent Crime:
Incidents of armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault occur, though they are less frequent than petty crime.

Other Issues:
There are also concerns about credit card and ATM fraud, particularly in Santo Domingo and resort areas.

Drug Trafficking:
The Dominican Republic is a transit point for drugs, and the country faces challenges with money laundering and the involvement of state-embedded actors in the drug trade.

Financial Crimes:
There are concerns about fraud in public procurement, embezzlement of state funds, and telephone scams.

Areas of Concern:

Tourist Areas:
While resorts and tourist areas are generally policed, petty crime can still occur, and tourists should be vigilant.

Major Cities:
Santo Domingo, a major city, experiences a higher crime rate than other areas.

Beaches and Resorts:
Thieves may target tourists at beaches and resorts, including in hotel rooms and safes.

Public Transportation:
Crime can occur on public transportation, and travelers should be cautious in crowded areas.

Motorcycles:
Thieves often ride motorcycles or scooters to snatch bags and valuables from pedestrians.

Safety Tips for Travelers:

Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your belongings and avoid walking alone at night, especially in less-populated areas.

Don't wear expensive jewelry or carry large amounts of cash: This can make you an easy target for thieves.

Keep your car doors locked and windows up: Even in tourist areas, thieves can target vehicles.

Be wary of strangers: Avoid accepting drinks or food from strangers, and be cautious about meeting with people you've met online.

Use ATMs in well-lit and secure areas: And avoid withdrawing large sums of money.

Report any incidents to the authorities: If you are a victim of crime, contact the police or the local authorities.

Consider meeting strangers in public places: If you are meeting someone you met online, choose a busy and well-lit location.

Travel with a partner or group if possible: This can help deter potential criminals.

Anonymous wrote:It’s part of a State Department warning

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_trafficking_in_the_Dominican_Republic

Video shows the beach is some distance from the resort. She was alone and unprotected and visibly impaired.

Anonymous wrote:No one posting on this board can say if something was slipped in her drink. No one can know if she was taken from the remote beach area by a 3rd party. By his own description, Joshua Ribe was passed out.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-43941143.amp

Anonymous wrote:If there is trafficking in the area it’s possible some resort staff or DR LE could be compromised. Good for her father getting some outsiders in and exploring all possibilities.

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When you are so drunk that you are puking your guts out, you really aren't in any shape to pull off a kidnapping heist.

He was not that drunk, girl was drunk and almost falling but he was holding her with one arm and taking pictures/video with other arm.

He used translator in his initial interrogation but he has seen news about what inconsistent stories he told in the media coverage. And now a week later he comes up with new information that he was a hero saving her. Really?

Why do you keep nannering on about him holding a phone? He was drunk enough to puke all over the beach (fact). Have you ever been puke-drunk? That's an advanced stage of intoxication.

I thought that too at first. He’s not holding up a phone. It’s a plastic cup.

Yes, in other images the cup is clearly visible.

She was stumbling far more than anyone else, was she drugged?

Nope. Just $hit faced drunk.

How do you know?

I have functioning eyeballs

DP. So you were there? Are you one of the friends she was with on this trip?

NP. Just have to watch all the video footage and have two functioning brain cells. That’s the power of modern technology.