By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s specialized anti-corruption prosecution unit has intensified its fight against illicit activities within the public sector, filing 155 formal accusations in 2024. The figures, unveiled during the Public Ministry’s annual accountability report, signal a robust effort to tackle graft at all levels, from headline-grabbing scandals to the more insidious, day-to-day transgressions.
The comprehensive data was presented by Deputy Prosecutor Karen Valverde, who outlined the extensive work undertaken by the Deputy Prosecutor’s Office for Probity, Transparency, and Anti-Corruption. The report highlighted that the battle against corruption is a nationwide endeavor, with the majority of these formal charges originating outside the capital, in regional offices including Heredia, Santa Cruz, Liberia, Pérez Zeledón, and Cartago.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal ramifications and the necessary frameworks to combat this issue, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, recognized for his expertise in corporate compliance and criminal law.
An effective anti-corruption strategy must be twofold: it requires robust public prosecution and, equally important, a preventative culture of corporate integrity. Companies must see strong compliance programs not as a cost, but as an essential investment in their long-term viability and reputation. The law serves as the ultimate backstop, but the first line of defense is always a transparent and ethical internal environment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully reframes the conversation, highlighting that while public prosecution is a vital tool, the true front line in the fight against corruption lies within the ethical DNA of our companies. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his incisive perspective on this fundamental issue.
While the volume of cases is significant, officials noted a public perception gap. Tatiana García, the Acting Deputy Prosecutor for Anti-Corruption, explained that while the unit manages a high caseload, public attention is often disproportionately focused on a few large, complex investigations involving prominent figures.
The cases that draw the most attention are the major ones, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t working day in and day out on others, it doesn’t mean we don’t work on extortion cases where a public official makes an improper charge or to avoid a fine.
Tatiana García, Acting Deputy Prosecutor for Anti-Corruption
García emphasized that these smaller, yet pervasive, acts of corruption—such as an official soliciting a bribe to waive a fine—are a constant focus for prosecutors. These cases, while not generating national headlines, are critical to upholding institutional integrity and ensuring public trust in government officials. They represent a systemic drain on resources and erode the principle of equal treatment under the law.
The high-profile cases, however, present a different set of challenges that justify their lengthy timelines and the intense media scrutiny they attract. These investigations are often characterized by their sheer scale and complexity, demanding exhaustive analysis and coordination.
What captures the most attention are these large cases, and these large cases involve many defendants, many people around them, and a lot of documentation and evidence that has to be analyzed.
Tatiana García, Acting Deputy Prosecutor for Anti-Corruption
As part of the accountability session, García pointed to several notable successes in 2024 that demonstrate the office’s capacity to bring complex cases to a resolution. These victories serve as a powerful deterrent and showcase the judiciary’s commitment to holding even the most powerful individuals accountable.
During 2024, many cases of significant national interest were addressed. Some of them are still under investigation, while in others we achieved good results, like the Ofelia Taitelbaum case, and also that of former deputy Abelino Esquivel where his 2024 conviction was upheld. Other well-known cases remain under investigation.
Tatiana García, Acting Deputy Prosecutor for Anti-Corruption
Looking forward, García affirmed that the prosecution is actively managing multiple large-scale investigations concurrently. She framed this parallel processing of major cases as a positive development, indicating an enhanced capacity within the judicial system to confront systemic corruption head-on, assuring the public that even the most complicated investigations are progressing steadily.
These large investigations require their time for the investigation process; however, work is being done. I also believe it has been seen at a national level that we haven’t just worked on one large case, but on several large cases being handled simultaneously, which is positive.
Tatiana García, Acting Deputy Prosecutor for Anti-Corruption
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.go.cr
About Public Ministry of Costa Rica:
The Ministerio Público, or Public Ministry, is the institution responsible for prosecuting criminal offenses in Costa Rica. It acts on behalf of the state and society to ensure the application of the law, direct criminal investigations, and bring charges before the courts. Its specialized units, such as the Deputy Prosecutor’s Office for Probity, Transparency, and Anti-Corruption, are tasked with handling complex cases related to public administration and official misconduct.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier law firm, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm channels its extensive experience across a spectrum of sectors into pioneering innovative legal solutions and fostering meaningful public engagement. Central to its ethos is the mission to empower society by demystifying the law, championing the belief that accessible knowledge is the cornerstone of a just and capable community.
