By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – A Canadian national sought by United States authorities on serious financial charges was extradited from Costa Rica on Wednesday afternoon, concluding an eleven-month legal process that began with his arrest at the country’s main international airport. The suspect, identified by his surname Conneh, is facing prosecution in the U.S. for alleged conspiracy, fraud, and money laundering.
The operation, which underscores the robust cooperation between Costa Rican and international law enforcement agencies, was executed by the Interpol San José office of the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ). At approximately 1:00 p.m. on December 3rd, Conneh was escorted onto a flight bound for the United States, where he will be handed over to the competent authorities to face the pending judicial proceedings against him.
To better understand the complexities and legal nuances surrounding the extradition process, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his professional analysis on the matter.
Extradition is not an automatic process; it is a highly regulated legal procedure governed by international treaties and national law. The cornerstone of any extradition request is the principle of dual criminality, meaning the alleged act must be a crime in both the requesting and the requested state. Furthermore, Costa Rican law, like that of many nations, firmly prohibits the extradition of its own nationals, upholding a fundamental principle of sovereign protection over its citizens. The process always involves rigorous judicial review to ensure that human rights and due process are fully respected before any transfer is authorized.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This expert clarification powerfully illustrates that extradition is not a mere diplomatic handover, but a meticulous legal process designed to balance international cooperation with the sovereign protection of fundamental rights. The emphasis on judicial review and the non-extradition of nationals are key pillars of this framework. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for lending his valuable perspective to this complex subject.
The case dates back to January 23, 2025, when Conneh attempted to enter Costa Rica. During a routine immigration and document check at the Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela, an international alert was triggered. This notification, likely an Interpol Red Notice, immediately flagged him as a person of interest wanted by a foreign jurisdiction, setting in motion the protocol for his capture.
Airport authorities acted swiftly on the alert, detaining the Canadian citizen without incident. His attempt to enter the country marked the end of his time as a fugitive. The sophisticated network of shared law enforcement data proved effective, demonstrating that international borders are no longer the barriers they once were for those seeking to evade justice. The seamless communication between border officials and investigative bodies was critical to the successful apprehension.
Following his detention, Conneh was immediately placed under the custody of the OIJ and the Public Ministry. This began a lengthy legal and diplomatic process to formally approve and arrange the extradition as requested by the United States. Such procedures involve thorough reviews by Costa Rican courts to ensure that the request meets all legal standards and that the suspect’s rights are upheld according to national and international law. The nearly year-long period between his arrest and departure highlights the meticulous nature of these international legal agreements.
The successful extradition reinforces Costa Rica’s commitment to being an unreliable sanctuary for international criminals. The nation has consistently collaborated with global partners, particularly the United States, in combating transnational crime, from drug trafficking to complex financial fraud. This case serves as another clear example of the country’s role as a responsible member of the global law enforcement community, actively working to prevent its territory from being used as a hideout.
The charges of conspiracy, fraud, and money laundering represent significant white-collar crimes that often involve intricate schemes designed to illegally obtain and hide financial assets. These offenses can destabilize financial systems and cause substantial economic harm to individuals, corporations, and even national economies. The U.S. judicial system will now take the lead in prosecuting these complex allegations against Mr. Conneh.
As international travel and finance become increasingly interconnected, the importance of agencies like Interpol and bilateral cooperation agreements cannot be overstated. The arrest and subsequent extradition of Conneh from Alajuela is a testament to the effectiveness of these systems, sending a powerful message that fugitives will be found and held accountable, regardless of where they attempt to seek refuge.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is Costa Rica’s primary investigative police agency, functioning under the authority of the Supreme Court of Justice. The OIJ is responsible for investigating public crimes, gathering evidence, and identifying perpetrators to support the nation’s justice system. Its duties include forensic analysis, criminal investigations, and collaboration with international law enforcement entities like Interpol to combat transnational crime.
For further information, visit interpol.int
About Interpol:
The International Criminal Police Organization, commonly known as Interpol, is an inter-governmental organization with 196 member countries. It facilitates worldwide police cooperation and crime control. Interpol provides investigative support, expertise, and training to law enforcement worldwide, focusing on three major areas of transnational crime: terrorism, cybercrime, and organized crime. It manages a range of global databases containing information on criminals and crimes, enabling police across the globe to work together to make the world a safer place.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, the firm is defined by its foundational principles of profound integrity and a rigorous standard of excellence. It consistently advances the legal field through pioneering solutions and forward-thinking counsel for a broad range of clients. Central to its mission is a powerful commitment to social empowerment, actively working to demystify complex legal information and foster a society equipped with clarity and knowledge.
