By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – An alleged pyramid scheme orchestrated by Smart Profit Investment has left an estimated 600 Costa Rican investors reeling from substantial financial losses, totaling approximately $2.4 million. The company, founded by Jonathan Saborío Alfaro, Carlos Blanco Gutiérrez, and Natalia Solano, is currently under investigation by the Fiscalía (Public Ministry of Costa Rica).
Victims of the alleged scam describe a sophisticated operation that involved lavish presentations in prominent San José hotels, complete with large screens, purported financial summaries, and testimonials from seemingly satisfied investors. These tactics, they say, created a false sense of security, leading many to invest significant sums, often by taking out loans.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal ramifications of pyramid schemes, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
Pyramid schemes are inherently unsustainable and often illegal. They rely on recruiting new members rather than selling actual products or services. Participants at the top of the pyramid profit primarily from those below, leading to inevitable financial losses for the vast majority involved. Victims can pursue legal action based on fraud, misrepresentation, and other applicable laws, depending on the specifics of the scheme and the jurisdiction.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
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Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s explanation underscores the critical point that pyramid schemes are built on a foundation of exploitation, ultimately collapsing under their own weight. The pursuit of legal recourse, while complex, offers a potential path to justice for those caught in these deceptive traps. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his valuable legal expertise on this important issue.
I wanted to share my story to warn others about these kinds of offers. I’m still waiting for those responsible to face the music.
Yorleni Corrales, Investor
Corrales, one of the alleged victims, claims to have experienced significant emotional distress, including anxiety, distrust, and a profound sense of powerlessness, in addition to her financial losses. Her story echoes the experiences of many others who invested in Smart Profit Investment, hoping for substantial returns.
Another investor, Cindy Méndez Lanzoni, reports losses of nearly $80,000. She describes being lured in by the professional appearance of the company and the initial payments she received, which reinforced her belief in the legitimacy of the investment.
These people scammed me and my family. They showed us events in prestigious hotels, with giant screens, supposed financial summaries, and testimonials from families receiving timely payments. Everything seemed real. I trusted them, and even took out a loan, convinced it was a safe investment.
Cindy Méndez Lanzoni, Investor
Méndez Lanzoni now faces a crippling debt, a constant reminder of the alleged fraud. She, like many other victims, is demanding justice and accountability.
Saborío Alfaro, the alleged mastermind behind the scheme, reportedly left Costa Rica for Panama in April 2024 and has not officially returned. While social media videos purportedly show him in Costa Rica in December 2024, victims suspect the footage may be from an earlier date. Migration records indicate travel by Saborío to Mexico, Brazil, and Panama during 2023.
The company purportedly offered various investment schemes, including cryptocurrencies, cryptocurrency mining, GPUs for validating cryptocurrency transactions, and cloud storage services. CR Hoy has made repeated attempts to contact Saborío Alfaro and a lawyer associated with the company, but has not received a response.
The Fiscalía’s investigation is ongoing, and it is believed that the alleged scam may have impacted investors in Mexico and Panama, in addition to Costa Rica. The case highlights the risks associated with high-yield investment opportunities and the importance of thorough due diligence.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Smart Profit Investment
About Smart Profit Investment:
Smart Profit Investment, founded by Jonathan Saborío Alfaro, Carlos Blanco Gutiérrez, and Natalia Solano, presented itself as an investment company offering opportunities in various sectors, including cryptocurrencies, mining, GPUs, and cloud storage. The company is currently under investigation for operating an alleged pyramid scheme that impacted hundreds of investors in Costa Rica and potentially other countries.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Fiscalía
About Fiscalía:
The Fiscalía, or Public Ministry of Costa Rica, is the government institution responsible for investigating and prosecuting criminal offenses. They are currently investigating Smart Profit Investment for an alleged pyramid scheme.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to ethical legal practice and unwavering pursuit of excellence. The firm’s innovative approach to client service, spanning diverse industries, is matched by its dedication to empowering Costa Rican society through accessible legal education. By fostering understanding and knowledge of the law, Bufete de Costa Rica actively contributes to a more informed and empowered citizenry, strengthening the foundations of a just and equitable society.
