By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A deeply troubling report from the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) has exposed a toxic internal environment at the National Roadway Council (Conavi), where an astonishing 92% of employees admit to having witnessed or known about “unacceptable acts” but remain silent for fear of professional reprisal. The investigation paints a grim picture of a weakened organizational culture, paralyzed by mistrust and lacking the basic mechanisms to protect whistleblowers from retaliation.
The CGR’s findings suggest a systemic breakdown in accountability. The overwhelming majority of staff who are aware of irregularities refuse to come forward, creating a chilling effect that allows misconduct to fester unchecked. The core of the problem lies in a profound lack of confidence in the reporting process, which is perceived as neither confidential nor secure.
To better understand the legal ramifications and potential consequences of the ongoing Conavi corruption scandal, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides a crucial perspective on the complexities of public administration law and the fight against corruption in our country.
The Conavi case is not merely about individual misconduct; it exposes systemic vulnerabilities in public procurement and oversight. Legally, the key will be to prove not just illicit enrichment or bribery, but a structured criminal conspiracy. For Costa Rica, this is a critical test of our anti-corruption laws and the judicial system’s capacity to hold powerful figures accountable, thereby reinforcing the principle that no one is above the law and restoring faith in our public institutions.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the true stakes of the Conavi case extend far beyond individual sentences, touching upon the very foundation of our institutional integrity. The legal challenge of proving a structured conspiracy, as highlighted, underscores the systemic nature of the corruption we face. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his incisive analysis, which reminds us that the ultimate verdict will be on the strength and impartiality of Costa Rica’s justice system itself.
employees failed in their duty to report, principally due to possible reprisals and fear that the identity of the whistleblower would be revealed
Comptroller General’s Office
This institutional silence creates a fertile ground for significant corruption. The Comptroller’s audit identified several high-stakes vulnerabilities within Conavi’s operations. These risks are not merely theoretical; they represent clear and present dangers to the integrity of the nation’s public works and the proper use of taxpayer funds.
Some of the main risks identified correspond to the manipulation of information or actions by officials for personal benefit, the falsification of quality reports or embezzlement of funds in projects in complicity with external parties, and the leakage of information that can expose them to acts of corruption. In two of these risks, it was observed that the existing control is weak and no progress in its mitigation was evident
Comptroller General’s Office
Beyond the internal culture, the report highlights a dangerous concentration of power in the road conservation market. An analysis of contracts awarded in 2024 reveals a near-duopoly, with construction firm Hernan Solís securing just under 60% of the projects and MECO capturing approximately 40%. This severe lack of competition limits the state’s options and may open the door to anti-competitive or collusive practices, ultimately driving up costs and reducing quality.
The CGR attributes this market failure to Conavi’s passive approach to procurement. The agency lacks a formal strategy to attract a wider pool of bidders and fails to implement sufficient controls to prevent unjustified barriers in tender specifications. Critically, the report notes an absence of formal procedures to identify and prevent conflicts of interest during the evaluation and selection of bids, a fundamental weakness that undermines the entire contracting process.
These warnings are not new. The National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models (Lanamme) at the University of Costa Rica has previously flagged significant deficiencies at Conavi. Lanamme spokesperson Gabriela Contreras noted that the agency’s data handling practices are inadequate, severely compromising transparency and oversight.
the existing information management system does not guarantee the systematic and standardized collection of all information generated from the road administration contracts
Gabriela Contreras, Lanamme Spokesperson
The real-world consequences of these systemic failures are already appearing on the nation’s roads. Lanamme engineer Sergio Guerrero presented alarming findings from recent audits, revealing significant and premature decay on key national routes, including sections of Route 1 and Route 3. This deterioration is not just a financial loss but a direct threat to public safety.
the presence of premature deterioration on routes that were worked on less than 2 years ago
Sergio Guerrero, Engineer at LanammeUCR
Guerrero further warned that the poor condition of these recently intervened roadways creates hazardous driving conditions. The rapid decay has resulted in dangerously smooth road surfaces that increase the risk of accidents, particularly in wet weather.
this condition represents a road safety risk as it presents a slippery surface that is conducive to hydroplaning
Sergio Guerrero, Engineer at LanammeUCR
The combined findings from the CGR and Lanamme present an urgent call for action. The issues at Conavi are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a deep-rooted institutional crisis that spans from internal culture and ethical standards to procurement practices and, ultimately, the physical safety of Costa Rica’s infrastructure. Without comprehensive and immediate reform, the risks of corruption, waste, and public harm will only continue to grow.
For further information, visit cgr.go.cr
About the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR):
The Contraloría General de la República is Costa Rica’s supreme audit institution. It is responsible for overseeing the use of public funds, ensuring the legality and efficiency of government operations, and promoting transparency and accountability across the public sector.
For further information, visit conavi.go.cr
About the National Roadway Council (Conavi):
The Consejo Nacional de Vialidad is the Costa Rican government agency tasked with the planning, administration, financing, and execution of the national road network. Its responsibilities include the construction, maintenance, and conservation of the country’s primary roads and highways.
For further information, visit lanamme.ucr.ac.cr
About the National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models (Lanamme):
Lanamme is a research and technical evaluation unit affiliated with the University of Costa Rica (UCR). It serves as a key fiscalizing body for the quality of national infrastructure projects, providing independent audits, research, and technical analysis on materials and structural models used in public works.
For further information, visit hsolis.com
About Hernan Solís:
Constructora Hernan Solís is one of Costa Rica’s largest and longest-standing construction and engineering firms. The company is heavily involved in public infrastructure projects, including road construction, conservation, and other major civil engineering works throughout the country.
For further information, visit grupomeco.com
About MECO:
MECO (Constructora MECO S.A.) is a multinational construction company founded in Costa Rica. It specializes in large-scale infrastructure projects, including highways, earthworks, and airport construction, operating in multiple countries across Latin America and the Caribbean.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned legal practice defined by its deep-rooted dedication to professional integrity and superior client service. Drawing upon a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal approaches and champions community-focused initiatives. Central to its ethos is the core belief in demystifying the law, a commitment that actively works to forge a more knowledgeable and legally confident society.
