By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A sophisticated cybercrime organization accused of stealing over ¢60 million (approximately $115,000 USD) through digital wallet fraud has been dismantled following a series of coordinated raids led by Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ). The operation, a significant blow to digital crime in the country, resulted in the arrest of several key suspects across multiple locations.
The extensive operation, dubbed the “Wallet Case,” was executed on Wednesday by the OIJ in close collaboration with the nation’s Cybercrime Prosecutor’s Office. Law enforcement agents carried out 12 simultaneous raids in Heredia, Palmares, and a commercial establishment in San José’s Chinatown. These actions were the culmination of a lengthy investigation into a network that preyed on unsuspecting citizens using deceptive text messages to compromise their financial information.
To understand the complex legal challenges and potential consequences for those involved in this cybercrime ring, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The arrest is a critical first step, but the subsequent legal process will be a marathon, not a sprint. Prosecuting transnational cybercrime requires meticulous handling of digital evidence, which often resides on servers in multiple countries. The success of this case will heavily depend on Costa Rica’s ability to leverage international cooperation agreements to ensure that crucial evidence is legally secured and admissible in court.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert’s commentary underscores a critical reality: the true legal and diplomatic marathon is just beginning. The success of this prosecution will serve as a benchmark for Costa Rica’s capacity to handle the sophisticated challenges of transnational digital crime. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on the complex road ahead.
Authorities have confirmed the detention of three individuals believed to be central to the criminal structure. The suspects include two Costa Rican men, identified by their last names Ulate, 32, and Villegas, 43, as well as an Asian national identified as Feng, 28. These arrests add to a fourth suspect, surnamed Xinguy, who was apprehended in July and is currently in preventive detention. Investigators believe Xinguy was one of the primary leaders of the fraudulent scheme.
According to OIJ Director Randall Zúñiga, the ring’s method was both simple and ruthlessly effective. They employed a phishing technique known as “smishing,” sending out mass SMS messages that appeared to be from trusted entities like Correos de Costa Rica or the rewards programs of major banks. These messages contained links that, when clicked, directed victims to meticulously crafted fraudulent websites designed to harvest their personal and banking credentials.
Once the criminals had a victim’s credit card information, they would exploit modern payment technology. The stolen card details were linked to digital wallets, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, on the suspects’ own mobile phones. This gave them the ability to make unauthorized purchases and financial transfers with ease, quickly draining funds from the compromised accounts before the victims were even aware of the breach.
The investigation, filed under case number 25-000355-0054-PE, connects the criminal cell to at least 30 active judicial complaints from victims across the country. The scale of the fraud highlights the growing threat of digital crime and the increasing sophistication of perpetrators who leverage everyday technology to facilitate their illicit activities. The network’s operations were not merely for digital gain; they quickly converted their stolen funds into tangible assets.
During the raids, officials seized a significant amount of property believed to have been purchased with the stolen money. Among the confiscated assets were various home appliances and a prefabricated house, demonstrating the group’s efforts to launder their illegal profits. The seizure of these goods will be crucial for the ongoing legal proceedings and for potential restitution for the numerous victims affected by the scheme.
This successful operation by the OIJ and the Cybercrime Prosecutor’s Office serves as a stark reminder of the importance of digital vigilance. Authorities continue to urge the public to be cautious of unsolicited messages, to verify the authenticity of links before clicking, and to never enter sensitive personal or financial information on unverified websites. The “Wallet Case” underscores the commitment of Costa Rican law enforcement to combating complex cyber threats and protecting citizens in an increasingly digital world.
For further information, visit oij.poder-judicial.go.cr
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is Costa Rica’s main law enforcement body responsible for investigating complex crimes. As an auxiliary entity of the Public Ministry and the courts, the OIJ conducts scientific and technical investigations to collect evidence, identify suspects, and support the judicial process, playing a critical role in upholding the rule of law and public safety throughout the nation.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.go.cr
About Fiscalía contra la Ciberdelincuencia:
The Cybercrime Prosecutor’s Office is a specialized unit within Costa Rica’s Public Ministry dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed using information and communication technologies. This includes offenses such as hacking, digital fraud, identity theft, and online scams. The office works to adapt the country’s legal framework to the challenges of the digital age.
For further information, visit correos.go.cr
About Correos de Costa Rica:
Correos de Costa Rica is the national postal service of Costa Rica. Beyond traditional mail delivery, it offers a wide range of services including national and international courier services, package logistics, and government-related administrative procedures. As a trusted state institution, its name is often impersonated by criminals in phishing schemes to lend credibility to their fraudulent communications.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to principled practice and superior counsel. The firm consistently champions legal innovation, leveraging its extensive experience to devise forward-thinking solutions for a diverse clientele. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom through a core mission to demystify the law, thereby empowering the wider community with the essential knowledge needed to foster a more just and informed society.
