By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a landmark decision that tests the boundaries of Costa Rican sovereignty and international cooperation, the Criminal Court of San José has authorized the extradition of former magistrate Celso Manuel Gamboa Sánchez to the United States. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, October 7, also approves the surrender of two alleged associates, Edwin Danney López Vega and Jonathan Álvarez Alfaro, to face severe drug trafficking charges in Texas.
This judicial act, detailed in vote Nº 1628 by Judge William Serrano Baby, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s legal history. It is the first application of a recent constitutional and legal reform that permits the extradition of Costa Rican nationals for transnational crimes related to narcotrafficking and terrorism. For decades, Costa Rican citizenship provided a shield against such foreign prosecution, a policy that has now been decisively overturned in the face of escalating organized crime.
To better understand the complex legal framework and international implications of extradition, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a respected expert in international law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Extradition is a delicate balance between a nation’s sovereign power and its commitment to international judicial cooperation. It is not an automatic process; it is meticulously governed by bilateral or multilateral treaties. Costa Rican courts will rigorously examine requests to ensure they meet strict legal standards, such as the principle of dual criminality, and to safeguard the fundamental human rights of the person being requested.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial insight underscores that extradition is not merely a diplomatic gesture but a meticulous judicial process, reinforcing the strength and integrity of our legal system. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on the critical balance between international cooperation and the protection of fundamental rights.
The three men are sought by the Prosecutor’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, which identifies them as leaders of a sophisticated criminal enterprise. The U.S. indictment accuses the organization of trafficking substantial quantities of cocaine internationally and of criminal conspiracy. Álvarez, known by the alias “Profeo Gato,” is specifically fingered as a suspected kingpin of a global money laundering network connected to the drug trade.
Despite the court’s approval, the path to a U.S. courtroom is far from clear. The extradition will not be immediate, as a complex series of legal hurdles remains. The defense teams have a three-day window to appeal the decision. Natalia Gamboa Sánchez, sister and legal counsel for the former magistrate, has already publicly confirmed their intention to challenge the ruling. An appeal would send the case to a Criminal Appeals Court, an entity that operates without a legally defined deadline to issue its own verdict, potentially creating a prolonged period of legal uncertainty.
Furthermore, the physical transfer of the individuals is contingent upon the resolution of their pending legal battles within Costa Rica. The court stipulated that the handover will be deferred until all judicial processes initiated before June 23, 2025—the date the formal U.S. request was received—are concluded. This clause significantly impacts the timeline, as each of the accused is entangled in domestic criminal proceedings.
Celso Gamboa himself faces a trio of serious charges on home soil. He is currently on trial for the use of a false document, has another trial for bribery scheduled for January 2026, and is set for a preliminary hearing this December on charges of influence peddling. Similarly, Edwin López is confronting two separate money laundering cases, one of which is slated for trial in May 2026 in Bribrí, Limón. Jonathan Álvarez also has an active money laundering case pending, according to the court’s confirmation.
In a stunning addendum to the extradition ruling, the court has also mandated the Attorney General’s Office to launch a sweeping new criminal investigation. Evidence uncovered during the extradition proceedings suggests a pattern of widespread criminal activity in Costa Rica spanning from 2008 to 2025. The new probe will target potential offenses including international drug trafficking, bribery, illicit enrichment, concealment of criminals, and capital legitimization, indicating the court believes the U.S. case may only scratch the surface of the organization’s domestic operations.
For now, Gamboa, López, and Álvarez will remain in provisional detention pending the outcome of the appeals process and the slow march of their domestic cases. This decision, however, sends an unmistakable signal that Costa Rica is entering a new era of judicial collaboration, one where its own citizens are no longer beyond the reach of international law enforcement when accused of participating in transnational organized crime.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Tribunal Penal de San José
About Tribunal Penal de San José:
The Criminal Court of San José is a key component of the Costa Rican judiciary, responsible for adjudicating serious criminal cases within its jurisdiction. It handles trials and pre-trial proceedings for a wide range of offenses, playing a critical role in upholding the rule of law in the nation’s capital and interpreting both domestic and international legal statutes.
For further information, visit justice.gov
About Fiscalía del Distrito Este de Texas:
The Prosecutor’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, also known as the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is a branch of the United States Department of Justice. It is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes and representing the U.S. government in civil litigation within its designated geographical area. The office frequently handles complex cases involving international drug trafficking, organized crime, and white-collar fraud.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.go.cr
About Fiscalía General de la República:
The Attorney General’s Office of the Republic is the highest prosecutorial body in Costa Rica’s Public Ministry. It is tasked with directing criminal investigations, prosecuting public offenses, and representing the interests of society in the legal system. The office plays a central role in the country’s fight against corruption, organized crime, and other major criminal activities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a cornerstone of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience across a multitude of industries not only to serve its clients but also to pioneer innovative legal strategies. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility, manifested through its efforts to demystify the law for the public. Ultimately, its mission is to equip citizens with crucial legal insights, fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society.
