Financial Crime World

Costa Rica’s Justice System Under Strain as Prison Conditions Worsen

Overview

The Ministry of Justice and Peace in Costa Rica is facing growing concerns over the state of prisons, which are increasingly overcrowded due to preventive detention and the smuggling of cell phones and drugs by gangs. The ombudsman’s office is working to monitor and scrutinize prison conditions.

Investigative Process

According to sources, the office of the public prosecutor determines the scope of investigations, while the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) is responsible for criminal investigations. The OIJ and national police are Costa Rica’s main security agencies, with no military presence in the country.

Challenges

Despite efforts to combat organized crime, including drug trafficking, there have been reports of police involvement in illegal activities. Border control has also become a major challenge due to COVID-19 restrictions, with increased patrols and restrictions on foreign nationals entering the country.

Economic Environment

The economic environment remains favorable for legal businesses, with high levels of foreign direct investment contributing to growth. However, concerns remain over authorities’ capacity to halt drug trafficking syndicates from infiltrating the legal economy.

Initiatives Against Organized Crime

In response to these challenges, Costa Rica has established several initiatives aimed at combating organized crime and protecting victims and witnesses. These include programs focused on:

  • Community security
  • Commercial security
  • Child protection
  • International collaborations with foreign governments and organizations

Media Freedom and Ownership

Despite high levels of media freedom, concerns remain over media ownership concentration, which can limit pluralism and diversity in the media landscape. Several international and private academic, advocacy, and research institutes investigate security and organized crime-related trends and issues.

Key Findings

  • Prison conditions are worsening due to overcrowding and gang activity
  • Preventive detention is a major contributor to prison overcrowding
  • The ombudsman is responsible for monitoring and scrutinizing prison conditions
  • Organized crime, including drug trafficking, remains a significant challenge
  • Border control has become increasingly difficult due to COVID-19 restrictions
  • Foreign direct investment remains high, contributing to economic growth
  • Authorities are working to combat organized crime through various initiatives

Sources

  • Ministry of Justice and Peace
  • Ombudsman’s office
  • Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ)
  • National Police
  • International organizations and research institutes