Costa Rica Sees Rise in Corruption Cases, But No Evidence of Organized Crime Infiltration

San José, Costa Rica

Costa Rica has experienced a significant surge in corruption cases over the years, but experts assure that there is no evidence to suggest state-embedded actors are directly involved in organized crime.

New Efforts Against Organized Crime

The newly elected president has made strong statements against organized crime and has pledged to improve the salary and conditions of the police force. Although a new security policy has not been drafted yet, installing scanners at ports has been identified as a priority.

Corruption Remains a Significant Issue

Corruption remains a major issue in Costa Rica, with experts warning that the country’s main security challenges are cocaine trafficking, gang violence, and rising corruption. The government has launched several initiatives to tackle corruption, including the National Integrity and Corruption Prevention Strategy (2021-2030), which aims to prioritize corruption prevention and coordination among stakeholders from the private and public sectors.

Independent Judiciary

Despite concerns about corruption, Costa Rica’s judiciary is considered independent and free from intervention by other institutions. The courts are widely trusted and used by citizens to settle disputes, and there is no evidence of widespread corruption within the judicial system.

Collaboration Against Organized Crime

The country’s security agencies, including the national police and Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), have been working closely with international partners to combat organized crime. In recent years, there have been cases of police involvement in drug trafficking, which has raised concerns among citizens. However, efforts are underway to improve policing practices and increase transparency.

Economic Environment

Costa Rica’s economic environment is favorable for legal businesses, with foreign direct investment high and a significant contributor to the country’s economic growth. However, there are concerns about money laundering, particularly in the construction industry, real estate, and hotel industry.

Civil Society Organizations

Civil society organizations have been playing an important role in supporting victims of crime and promoting social protection. The Office for the Attention and Protection of the Victim provides free and confidential protection to crime victims, as well as individual and group psychological care, social assistance, legal advice, and referrals to social support networks and healthcare institutions.

Continued Cooperation

Despite challenges, Costa Rica remains committed to tackling organized crime and corruption. As the country looks to the future, experts say that continued cooperation between government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners will be crucial in addressing these complex issues.