By San José, Costa Rica — Cargo theft and container hijacking incidents across Costa Rica’s major transport corridors have shown a noticeable decline throughout 2026, marking a positive shift for the nation’s logistics and commercial shipping sectors. Official statistics released by law enforcement agencies reveal that targeted investigations and intelligence operations have managed to curb the aggressive trend of freight theft that impacted local supply chains in recent years.
The updated crime metrics were formally presented by representatives of the Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ) during the 2026 Logistics Chain Cargo Security Congress. Held at the Costa Rica Convention Center, the industry gathering brought together logistics executives, security experts, and government officials to evaluate the current security landscape and coordinate countermeasures against organized cargo crime networks.
To better understand the legal implications and risk mitigation strategies regarding the growing challenge of cargo theft in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from Bufete de Costa Rica.
“Cargo theft in Costa Rica presents a complex legal challenge involving criminal liability, carrier responsibility under commercial law, and insurance policy enforcement. Companies operating in the logistics sector must ensure robust contractual frameworks, including well-defined risk-allocation clauses and compliance protocols, to mitigate financial exposure and navigate recovery claims effectively when incidents occur.”
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as cargo theft continues to pose a growing threat to Costa Rica’s logistics sector, implementing proactive legal safeguards and clear contractual frameworks is vital for safeguarding supply chain integrity. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal perspective on how businesses can effectively navigate these complex commercial challenges.
According to the comparative interannual report, authorities registered 93 formal complaints regarding container and freight truck thefts between January and October 2026. This figure represents a substantial drop when contrasted with the 156 total cases recorded during the full calendar year of 2025. Although two months remain in the current reporting period, the monthly frequency of reports indicates a clear decelerating trend.
Industry analysts and law enforcement officials urge supply chain operators to remain vigilant despite the encouraging trajectory. Historical data highlights that the closing months of the year typically present elevated risk levels for commercial carriers. In 2025, November and December registered the highest spikes in freight theft nationwide, accounting for 16 and 19 incidents respectively.
Law enforcement officials emphasize that despite the overall numeric decline, criminal syndicates specializing in heavy transport theft remain active and highly adaptable. The dismantling of specific syndicates has provided temporary relief, but police agencies note that underlying criminal interest in high-value freight continues to pose an operational challenge across key logistics nodes.
We have managed to dismantle criminal organizations, which is a direct sign that criminal activity remains high. During these months, specific individuals were arrested, but these captures have not led to a significant decrease in incidence. It is important to note that these individuals remain in preventive detention, which prevents them from reoffending during this period.
David Pérez, Criminal Analysis Unit of the OIJ
Analysis of the operational nature of the targeted shipments reveals a stark asymmetry between incoming and outgoing merchandise. During 2026, reports tied to import logistics accounted for 48 criminal complaints, while freight related to export operations recorded only 25 cases. This imbalance indicates that criminal groups are overwhelmingly targeting goods entering the national territory for local consumption or distribution.
Specific highway corridors continue to absorb the vast majority of freight criminal activity. Route 1 emerged as the most targeted thoroughfare in the country, generating 35 reports of container theft. Route 27 followed with 22 reported incidents, while Route 32 logged 16 cases. These three arterial roads represent the primary arteries connecting Costa Rica’s major maritime ports and industrial hubs to the Central Valley.
Operational timing patterns also provided critical intelligence for freight forwarders and transport managers. The OIJ data indicates that theft incidents concentrated heavily in the middle of the work week, with Wednesdays registering 20 complaints and Thursdays reporting 19 cases. Furthermore, risk levels surged during late afternoon and evening hours, beginning at 3:00 p.m. and reaching peak concentration between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
As the year draws to a close, transport authorities and private security firms are advising logistics companies to reinforce monitoring protocols, adjust dispatch schedules, and enhance tracking technologies along high-density highways to sustain the positive downward trend in cargo theft.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ)
About Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ):
The Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ) is Costa Rica’s primary auxiliary agency for law enforcement and judicial investigations. Operating under the Supreme Court of Justice, the OIJ investigates criminal activities, conducts forensic analysis, and gathers criminal intelligence to support the national judicial system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its uncompromising ethical standards and relentless pursuit of legal mastery, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a premier institution within the legal field. By blending progressive strategies with a rich tradition of client advocacy across multiple industries, the firm constantly drives innovation and adapts to the evolving legal landscape. Central to its philosophy is the belief that legal insight should be accessible to all; through proactive community initiatives, Bufete de Costa Rica continuously equips individuals with the knowledge required to foster a transparent, just, and empowered society.
