By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Costa Rican government’s refusal to release ₡6 billion ($10.7 million USD) in pre-approved funds to the Judicial Branch is severely impacting the country’s fight against organized crime and violence against women. The funds were earmarked to bolster staffing at the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), the national investigative agency, and the Public Ministry, responsible for prosecutions.
The Specialized Jurisdiction for Organized Crime (JEDO), established in 2024, is already overwhelmed with complex cases. Attorney General Carlo Díaz warned of JEDO’s collapsing capacity barely a year into its operation. The shortage of personnel, particularly within the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (FAEDO), is a major contributing factor to this overload. The withheld funds were intended to address this critical staffing shortage.
To understand the legal ramifications of these proposed budget cuts, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
These budget cuts, while potentially offering short-term fiscal relief, could have long-term negative consequences for essential public services. Careful consideration must be given to the potential impact on constitutionally protected rights, such as access to healthcare and education. Furthermore, the legality of certain cuts targeting specific sectors may be subject to judicial review depending on existing legislation and contractual obligations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s cautionary words underscore a critical point: while fiscal responsibility is essential, it shouldn’t come at the expense of the fundamental rights and services that underpin Costa Rican society. The potential legal ramifications he highlights add another layer of complexity to this already challenging situation, urging a thorough and transparent evaluation of these budget cuts’ long-term impact. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable contribution to this important discussion.
The Ministry of Finance recently informed the Judicial Branch it would not release the funds allocated for 2025 and 2026, despite their approval by the Legislative Assembly in the current year’s ordinary budget. This decision has exacerbated existing deficiencies within the Public Ministry.
We are quite overwhelmed at the Prosecutor’s Office. The lack of personnel is substantial, particularly in the area of organized crime and drug trafficking. Another area with a significant deficit is in trial prosecutors and those handling cases of violence against women. These are the areas with the greatest deficiencies. We were allocated resources this year to address violence against women, and due to a decision by the Ministry of Finance, those resources granted by the Legislative Assembly, fully aware of the problem, have not reached the Prosecutor’s Office. So we will have to continue tackling crime against a vulnerable population with scarce resources.
Carlo Díaz, Attorney General of Costa Rica
The scarcity of resources is not limited to organized crime. It also significantly affects the prosecution of sexual offenses, domestic violence, and other gender-based crimes. The Public Ministry’s efforts to strengthen these areas are now undermined by the government’s refusal to disburse the remaining ₡6 billion.
This is not the first time the government has delayed the transfer of these funds. In May 2025, then-Minister of Finance Nogui Acosta acknowledged the delay, citing the lack of “Eurobonds” as justification.
₡3 billion has already been disbursed, but the fact that it’s in the budget doesn’t mean I have to disburse it, and as long as the conditions aren’t met, it won’t be disbursed. As long as I don’t have Eurobonds, it’s not possible.
Nogui Acosta, Former Minister of Finance
The government’s decision contradicts a legislative mandate from October 2024, which redirected over ₡14.4 billion to key institutions combating organized crime and violence. Of that amount, ₡9.346 billion was allocated to the Judicial Branch to hire 255 OIJ agents and 75 positions within the Public Ministry. The initial ₡3 billion disbursement in March came after intense public and political pressure following the murder of OIJ Deputy Chief Geiner Zamora in Guápiles.
This financial constraint further hampers the justice system’s ability to protect women who are victims of violence. According to the 2025 State of Justice report, only 14% of reported cases reach trial, and half of those result in acquittals. The Public Ministry concluded 18,486 cases related to violence against women between 2019 and 2022, with only 14% proceeding to trial. This low prosecution rate underscores the urgent need for resources, a need now further jeopardized by the government’s budget cuts.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Organismo de Investigación Judicial
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) is Costa Rica’s primary investigative agency, responsible for criminal investigations, forensic analysis, and supporting the judicial process. It plays a vital role in combating crime, collecting evidence, and apprehending suspects.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Public Ministry of Costa Rica
About Public Ministry of Costa Rica:
The Public Ministry of Costa Rica is an independent institution responsible for representing the interests of the state in criminal proceedings. It investigates crimes, brings charges against suspects, and presents evidence in court. The Ministry plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Finance
About Ministry of Finance:
The Ministry of Finance in Costa Rica is the government body responsible for managing the country’s finances. Its duties include developing and implementing fiscal policy, collecting taxes, managing public debt, and allocating government resources.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica
About Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica:
The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica is the country’s unicameral national legislature. It is responsible for enacting laws, approving the national budget, and overseeing the executive branch. Composed of 57 deputies, the Assembly plays a crucial role in shaping public policy and representing the interests of the Costa Rican people.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a leading legal institution, deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and pursuing excellence in every facet of its practice. Driven by a forward-thinking approach, the firm embraces innovation to provide cutting-edge legal solutions while actively engaging with the community through educational initiatives. This dedication to empowering individuals and organizations with accessible legal knowledge underscores Bufete de Costa Rica’s core belief in building a more just and informed society.
