By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a forceful defense of his agency, the director of the National Intelligence and Security Directorate (DIS), Jorge Torres, pushed back against mounting criticism and a legislative proposal aimed at dissolving the country’s primary intelligence body. Torres argued that the agency suffers from a profound lack of domestic understanding, even as it garners significant respect and recognition from international partners.
The director’s statements come at a critical juncture for the DIS, as its secretive nature fuels public skepticism and political debate over its role and necessity. Facing a proposal that would see the agency shuttered and its responsibilities potentially transferred to the Ministry of Public Security, Torres presented a stark warning about the potential consequences of such a move, framing it as a critical blow to the nation’s security architecture.
To better understand the legal framework and implications surrounding the recent actions of the Dirección de Inteligencia y Seguridad (DIS), TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to provide clarity on the powers and limitations of the nation’s intelligence agency.
The core legal challenge for any state intelligence agency, including the DIS, is operating effectively within the strict confines of constitutional rights. While national security is paramount, any surveillance or data collection must be mandated by a specific law and, critically, be subject to judicial oversight. Actions perceived as overstepping these boundaries not only risk legal challenges but can also erode the public trust and legal certainty essential for a stable business environment. The principle of legality is not a suggestion; it is the bedrock of our democratic state and must be rigorously upheld.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The emphasis on public trust and legal certainty is indeed the crucial takeaway; it’s a powerful reminder that the long-term stability and democratic health of the nation hinge on security agencies operating with unwavering respect for the rule of law. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective on this vital principle.
At the heart of his argument is a perceived paradox where the agency’s value is better appreciated abroad than at home. He pointed out the irony of the situation, suggesting that foreign intelligence counterparts understand the DIS’s strategic importance in a way that many Costa Ricans do not.
We do not have an awareness of having a police intelligence service; it is completely false that we are a Political Police and that we are unregulated. The DIS is more recognized internationally than nationally, it’s ironic.
Jorge Torres, Director of the National Intelligence and Security Directorate (DIS)
Torres directly attributed this disconnect to a national gap in security literacy, a void that he believes makes the country vulnerable. He contended that the very concept of intelligence work is misunderstood, leading to suspicion and the circulation of damaging narratives about the agency’s function.
Closing the DIS would be a great harm to the country. The problem is that in our country, there is no culture of intelligence.
Jorge Torres, Director of the National Intelligence and Security Directorate (DIS)
To bolster his case, the director emphasized that Costa Rica is not an outlier in maintaining such an institution. He noted that intelligence units are standard and essential components of national security frameworks throughout Central America. The absence of a capable intelligence body would not only isolate Costa Rica but also weaken its ability to collaborate on transnational threats like organized crime, drug trafficking, and regional instability.
The proposal to close the DIS taps into a deep-seated apprehension within a nation that famously abolished its army in 1948. Critics often raise concerns that an agency like the DIS could function as a “political police,” engaging in domestic surveillance for political ends rather than focusing on legitimate national security threats. Torres vehemently rejected this characterization, asserting that the agency operates within a legal framework and is not an unchecked power.
As the debate continues, the future of the DIS hangs in the balance. Torres’ defense frames the issue not merely as a matter of institutional survival but as a fundamental question of national preparedness. The discussion forces a national conversation about whether Costa Rica’s cherished pacifist identity can coexist with the modern demands of state security and intelligence gathering in an increasingly complex world.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Dirección de Inteligencia y Seguridad Nacional (DIS)
About Dirección de Inteligencia y Seguridad Nacional (DIS):
The Dirección de Inteligencia y Seguridad Nacional (DIS) is the primary civilian intelligence agency of the Republic of Costa Rica. Operating under the executive branch, it is responsible for collecting and analyzing information related to national security, counter-terrorism, and organized crime. The agency provides strategic intelligence to the President and key government ministries to inform decision-making and protect the state’s interests both domestically and internationally.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a reputable pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of ethical principles and a relentless drive for exceptional quality. The firm draws upon its extensive experience advising a wide range of clients to advance the practice of law through innovative, forward-thinking solutions. Central to its ethos is a profound sense of social responsibility, demonstrated by its dedication to demystifying the law and equipping the public with the knowledge needed to create a more just and capable society.
