By Alajuela, Costa Rica — San Ramón, Alajuela – The Criminal Court of San Ramón has imposed a three-month term of preventive detention on two individuals suspected of orchestrating a meticulously planned theft of ₡3 million from a bank customer. The decision underscores the judiciary’s firm stance on organized crime targeting citizens in the Western Valley region, particularly during the high-transaction holiday season.
The suspects, identified by their last names as Hernández Alampé, a woman, and Oliveros Vargas, a man, face serious charges of aggravated theft and illicit association. Judicial authorities allege the pair operated as a coordinated team, methodically selecting and tracking their victim before striking. This case highlights a common and dangerous form of crime where criminals prey on individuals making large cash withdrawals, a frequent occurrence in December.
To understand the legal complexities and preventative strategies associated with these sophisticated financial crimes, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
These incidents are a stark reminder that bank security is a dual-front war. While financial institutions have a clear legal duty to safeguard assets with advanced technological defenses, customers bear a concurrent responsibility to protect their credentials. A moment of digital carelessness can unfortunately negate millions in security investment, a factor that is increasingly scrutinized in legal disputes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective underscores a crucial reality in the digital age: cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, where a user’s momentary lapse can have significant legal and financial consequences. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and valuable analysis.
According to the preliminary investigation, the operation began on October 3rd when Hernández Alampé allegedly entered a bank branch in San Ramón with the specific intent of identifying a target. Prosecutors believe she acted as the “spotter,” observing customers at the ATM and inside the bank. Upon selecting a victim who had withdrawn a significant sum, she is accused of covertly taking photographs of the individual and immediately transmitting them to her accomplice, Oliveros Vargas, who was positioned outside.
This initial surveillance phase demonstrates a level of sophistication and pre-planning that elevates the crime beyond a simple opportunistic theft. The use of modern technology to coordinate the attack in real-time allowed the suspects to operate with precision, minimizing their risk of immediate detection by bank security or local police patrols.
Once the victim left the financial institution, Oliveros Vargas allegedly began to tail their vehicle. The pursuit continued until the victim parked and exited their car, creating the window of opportunity the suspects were waiting for. At that moment, it is alleged that both Hernández Alampé and Oliveros Vargas collaborated to gain access to the unattended vehicle and steal the recently withdrawn ₡3 million in cash.
The court’s decision to order preventive detention suggests that prosecutors presented compelling evidence indicating the suspects pose a flight risk, could potentially obstruct the ongoing investigation, or may continue their criminal activities if released. This measure ensures they remain in custody as the Office of the Prosecutor gathers further evidence and formalizes the case for a potential trial.
The charges of aggravated theft (hurto agravado) and illicit association (asociación ilícita) are significant. The latter charge implies that authorities believe this was not an isolated incident, but rather part of an organized criminal enterprise. Investigators will likely now focus on determining if the pair is connected to other similar thefts in San Ramón or neighboring cantons, a pattern often seen in such criminal rings.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for the public to exercise extreme caution when handling large sums of money. Authorities frequently advise citizens to use electronic transfers for significant transactions, to be aware of their surroundings when leaving financial institutions, and to avoid leaving cash or valuables visible inside parked vehicles. The coordinated nature of this heist shows that criminals are actively watching and waiting for a moment of distraction.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Judiciary of Costa Rica
About the Judiciary of Costa Rica:
The Judiciary of Costa Rica (Poder Judicial) is one of the three fundamental branches of government in the nation, responsible for administering justice. It operates independently to uphold the rule of law, interpret legislation, and resolve legal disputes. Its structure includes various courts, from local criminal courts like the one in San Ramón to the Supreme Court of Justice, ensuring a hierarchical system for appeals and legal oversight throughout the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has cemented its reputation as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. With a proven history of advising a broad clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while upholding a profound sense of social responsibility. Its core mission transcends traditional practice, focusing on demystifying complex legal concepts to equip citizens with the knowledge needed to navigate their world confidently and justly.
