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Costa Rica Unveils New Financial Crime Prevention Strategies Amid Worsening Security Crisis
In a bid to combat Costa Rica’s escalating security crisis, authorities have announced 10 new policies aimed at preventing financial crime and addressing the root causes of violence. However, critics argue that the measures do not address the budget shortfalls and socioeconomic issues driving the surge in criminal activity.
New Policies Announced
The proposals, announced on January 30, include:
- Increasing prison sentences for criminals
- Expanding the scope for prosecutors to bring charges against minors
- Granting authorities new powers to revoke citizenship from naturalized citizens convicted of drug-related crimes
These announcements came just days after a spate of murders in Limón, a port city and drug-trafficking hotspot, left 14 dead, including a police officer.
Rising Homicide Rates
Costa Rica has seen a significant increase in homicide rates, with 17.2 homicides per 100,000 people recorded in 2023 - a 38% rise from the previous year. Authorities attribute the surge to clashes between gangs fighting for control of drug trafficking routes.
Public Concern and Trust Issues
In a recent poll by the Political Studies Investigation Centre (CIEP), Costa Ricans named “insecurity and crime” as their top concern, with 69% expressing little or no trust in the government’s ability to address the issue. Manuel Garro Chacón, founder of the country’s municipal police, described the situation as unprecedented, stating that Costa Rica has never experienced levels of violence like those seen today.
Expert Criticism
However, experts argue that the proposed measures are insufficient and fail to address the budget crisis plaguing security institutions and the underlying socioeconomic issues driving crime. Karen Jiménez Morales, Director of Police Sciences at the State University of Distance Education, emphasized that the solution cannot be simply to maximize penalties for criminals.
“We have a police force doing everything humanly possible with its resources,” she said. “But there is a significant weakness in public policy, in proper investment in all these policies related to social welfare.”
Previous Efforts Criticized
The government’s previous efforts to address the security crisis, including the Costa Rica Segura plan and the appointment of Mario Zamora as Minister of Security, have been criticized for being insufficient and lacking strategic reform.
“We cannot continue putting on patches,” Garro Chacón said. “We need a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of crime.”
Budget Crisis and Institutional Corruption
The lack of funding for police forces has also created an environment ripe for institutional corruption, with officers’ salaries starting at around $600 per month. The budget crisis has also impacted other areas of government, including education, with over 21,000 students dropping out of school last year and youth unemployment standing at 31.9% in 2022.
“This is the reality for many young people,” Jiménez Morales said. “What we really need to reduce levels of violence is preventative measures to address drug addiction and unemployment, and investment in education.”