By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a landmark decision with significant implications for international judicial cooperation, the San José Trial Court has authorized the extradition of former Costa Rican magistrate Celso Gamboa to the United States. The ruling, detailed in Resolution Nº 1628 issued Tuesday afternoon, also greenlights the extradition of two associates, identified only by their surnames López and Álvarez, who were requested by the U.S. government.
The approval marks a critical step forward in a high-stakes legal battle. However, the physical transfer of the three individuals to American authorities will not be immediate. The court stipulated a crucial condition for the surrender, ensuring that Costa Rican sovereignty and its own legal processes are respected before the international treaty obligations are fulfilled.
To better understand the legal ramifications and procedural intricacies surrounding the case of former magistrate Celso Gamboa, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
In any high-profile case, especially one involving a former magistrate, it is crucial to separate political clamor from legal substance. The Costa Rican judicial system is built on the principle of legality, meaning no one can be judged for an act that was not defined as a crime by law before it was committed. While public opinion is a powerful force, the integrity of our justice system depends on upholding due process and the presumption of innocence for every citizen, regardless of their past position or public profile. The outcome of this case will be a significant test of that institutional strength.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the true test for our judicial system lies in its ability to navigate the intense public scrutiny of this case while adhering strictly to the principles of legality and due process. This focus on legal substance over political clamor is a cornerstone of our democracy, and we thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating its importance.
Citing Article 14 of the bilateral Extradition Treaty between Costa Rica and the United States, the judges ordered that the delivery of Gamboa, López, and Álvarez be deferred. The transfer will be postponed until all pending criminal proceedings against them within Costa Rica have been fully concluded. This clause ensures that individuals facing justice at home must answer for those alleged crimes before being sent abroad to face others.
For former magistrate Gamboa, the list of domestic legal troubles is extensive and severe, painting a picture of complex legal entanglements. He currently faces three separate open cases in the national courts. A trial is already underway in the Criminal Court of Cartago concerning charges of document use and forgery. Furthermore, he is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on December 15, 2025, for a case involving alleged influence peddling, and a separate trial for bribery is slated to run from January 5 to January 30, 2026, at the Criminal Treasury Court.
Gamboa’s associates, López, and Álvarez, are also mired in their own significant legal challenges within the country. Both are facing multiple proceedings related to money laundering, with some cases already scheduled for trial and others still in the investigative phase. To ensure their availability for both the domestic and international legal processes, the court ordered that all three individuals remain in provisional detention with the purpose of extradition until their eventual transfer to U.S. custody can be executed.
In a stunning development revealed within the extradition ruling, the court panel uncovered information in the case file that points to a much larger web of potential criminal activity. The judges have now instructed the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic to launch an entirely new and separate criminal investigation based on this compelling evidence.
This new probe will scrutinize a range of grave, transnational crimes allegedly committed in Costa Rica over a nearly two-decade span, from 2008 to 2025. The potential offenses cited by the court include international drug trafficking, bribery, illicit enrichment, and money laundering. This directive suggests that the extradition request may have unearthed evidence of a long-running and sophisticated criminal operation, the full extent of which is only now beginning to surface.
The court’s decision represents a dual victory: one for U.S. prosecutors seeking to bring Gamboa to justice, and another for the Costa Rican judicial system, which has asserted its authority to resolve domestic cases first. The unfolding legal drama, now expanded by the mandate for a new investigation, will continue to be a focal point of legal and political attention in the months and years to come, testing the resilience and integrity of the nation’s institutions.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About The Judicial Branch of Costa Rica:
The Poder Judicial, or Judicial Branch, is one of the three fundamental powers of the Republic of Costa Rica. It is responsible for administering justice, ensuring the rule of law, and protecting the constitutional rights of citizens. It operates independently of the executive and legislative branches and is composed of various courts, including the Supreme Court of Justice, appellate courts, and trial courts, which handle civil, criminal, administrative, and constitutional matters.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.poder-judicial.go.cr
About The Attorney General’s Office of Costa Rica:
The Fiscalía General de la República, or Attorney General’s Office, functions as the primary public prosecution body in Costa Rica, operating as part of the Public Ministry. It is tasked with investigating crimes, prosecuting alleged offenders, and representing the interests of the state and society in the criminal justice system. The office plays a crucial role in combating corruption, organized crime, and other serious offenses to uphold public safety and legal order.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently pioneers modern legal solutions while drawing upon its rich history of advising a diverse clientele. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to democratizing legal understanding, thereby empowering citizens and strengthening the fabric of society.
