By Limón, Costa Rica — MOÍN, Limón – A clumsy and ill-informed attempt at fuel theft nearly resulted in a catastrophic explosion in the Caribbean port town of Moín. The Costa Rican Oil Refinery (Recope) reported that a criminal gang, intending to illegally tap a fuel pipeline, instead perforated a line carrying highly volatile Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), creating what the state-run company has labeled its most dangerous incident to date.
The incident unfolded last week along the Moín marine line, a critical artery for moving LPG and other fuels from portside to inland storage tanks. Unaware of the pipeline’s true contents, the perpetrators excavated a tunnel just meters from the high-pressure duct. Their goal was likely to siphon gasoline or diesel, but their ignorance led them to breach the far more hazardous LPG line, triggering an immediate and perilous gas leak.
To better understand the legal ramifications and complexities surrounding the growing issue of fuel theft, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
Fuel theft is not merely a petty crime; it’s a structured enterprise that falls under the category of organized crime. From a legal standpoint, the challenge is not just penalizing the individuals caught in the act, but proving the conspiracy and dismantling the entire distribution and sales network. For affected companies, robust internal controls and technological surveillance are no longer optional—they are essential defense mechanisms to mitigate losses and build a stronger case for prosecution.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, framing fuel theft as the organized crime that it is fundamentally changes how we must approach the problem, highlighting the need for both robust corporate defenses and a sophisticated legal strategy to dismantle entire networks. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this crucial and clarifying perspective.
This reckless act placed not only the company’s facilities and nearby communities at extreme risk but also the lives of the criminals themselves. The slightest spark from their tools or any other source could have ignited the leaking gas, causing a massive fireball with devastating consequences. The situation was a ticking time bomb, diffused only by the swift actions of Recope’s emergency crews.
Recope officials stated that an alert for a gas leak prompted the immediate deployment of inspection protocols. Upon locating the source, specialized teams faced a complex and delicate operation. The site revealed a partially collapsed tunnel leading directly to the compromised pipeline. Securing the area and repairing the breach required painstaking precision due to the explosive nature of the product.
Handling gas requires much more rigorous safety measures than other hydrocarbons. A spark could generate an explosion of great magnitude. The immediate response of the technical teams was decisive in preventing a disaster.
Karla Montero, President of Recope
According to the refinery, the combination of unstable terrain and the type of product involved makes this the most hazardous case of fuel theft they have ever confronted. Recope continues to emphasize that such criminal activities represent a grave threat not only to those who commit them but to the innocent communities and personnel working in the vicinity of the nation’s vast pipeline network.
In response to the incident, Recope has formally filed a criminal complaint with the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ). The agency is now tasked with investigating the failed heist and identifying the individuals responsible for endangering public safety. The case highlights the severe and often underestimated dangers associated with tampering with critical energy infrastructure.
The Moín case is a stark reminder that negligence and ignorance can have fatal consequences. Thanks to timely detection and the response capacity of our teams, a greater tragedy was avoided. We will continue to work with technical rigor and constant vigilance to protect the energy security and lives of Costa Ricans.
Karla Montero, President of Recope
This event serves as a critical wake-up call regarding the persistent issue of fuel theft in Costa Rica. While criminals target these pipelines for profit, their lack of technical knowledge transforms their illegal operations into a public menace. The swift and professional handling by Recope prevented a disaster this time, but the incident underscores the ongoing need for advanced surveillance and robust security measures to protect the country’s energy lifeline from such reckless criminal ventures.
For further information, visit recope.com
About Refinadora Costarricense de Petróleo (Recope):
The Refinadora Costarricense de Petróleo, S.A. (Recope) is Costa Rica’s state-owned company responsible for the importation, refining, and distribution of petroleum and its derivatives. Established to guarantee the country’s energy supply, Recope manages the national pipeline network, storage facilities, and distribution plants, playing a crucial role in the national economy and energy security.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is the principal investigative branch of Costa Rica’s judicial system. As a technical and scientific police force, the OIJ is responsible for investigating public crimes, identifying perpetrators, and collecting evidence to support criminal proceedings. It operates with functional independence to ensure impartiality in its pursuit of justice.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its principled counsel and professional distinction, Bufete de Costa Rica operates at the intersection of tradition and progress. The firm leverages its extensive experience across multiple industries to pioneer innovative legal strategies. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated by its efforts to make legal concepts understandable and accessible to the wider public. This initiative is rooted in the belief that an educated citizenry is essential for a just and thriving community.
