By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA – A meticulously planned fraud operation that inflicted significant financial damage on local businesses has been dismantled following a series of raids by the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ). Authorities confirmed the arrests of two men suspected of orchestrating at least 14 successful scams against commercial establishments in San José and Cartago, with total losses exceeding ₡48 million colones and $29,000 US dollars.
In a coordinated effort on Wednesday, OIJ agents executed three separate search warrants which led to the capture of the two main suspects. One raid took place in San Sebastián, a district in the capital city of San José. The other two were conducted in the Río Conejo sector of Corralillo, Cartago. The detained individuals were identified by their surnames as Campos, age 57, and Villalobos, age 46. Both are now in custody and face serious charges related to large-scale fraud.
To better understand the legal ramifications and preventative measures associated with business fraud, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his professional perspective on the matter.
Business fraud often originates from a breakdown in internal controls and ethical oversight. Companies must understand that a robust compliance program is not an expense but a critical investment in their survival and reputation. Proactive measures, such as regular audits and clear reporting mechanisms, are the first line of defense. When these fail, the legal system must act decisively to not only penalize wrongdoing but also to reinforce confidence in our commercial framework.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The distinction Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas makes between a compliance program being an expense versus a vital investment is a critical one. It reframes the entire approach to corporate governance from a reactive burden to a proactive strategy for ensuring sustainability and trust in the marketplace. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this pressing issue.
The investigation, which pieced together a pattern of criminal activity spanning over a year, revealed a consistent and deceptive modus operandi. The suspects allegedly targeted a wide array of businesses, including hardware stores, liquor distributors, tire shops, and retailers of specialized goods like swimming pool supplies. The operation was active between October 2024 and December 2025, with reported incidents in the cantons of Acosta, La Uruca, and Guadalupe.
According to OIJ officials, the scheme began with the suspects contacting a target business to request a price quote for a substantial order of products. After agreeing to the terms, they would inform the vendor that payment would be made via a direct bank transfer or deposit, a common and generally trusted practice in modern commerce. This initial interaction was designed to build a false sense of security and legitimacy.
The critical element of the deception involved the payment process itself. Instead of a legitimate electronic transfer, the suspects would dispatch a third party to a bank branch. This individual would then deposit a check into the business’s account. However, the check was fraudulent, drawn from a bank account that had long been closed. This action would trigger a temporary, unverified credit to appear in the victim’s account balance, creating the illusion of a successful payment.
Trusting the notification of a deposit, the businesses would then release the merchandise to the perpetrators. By the time the banking system processed the check and discovered it was worthless—a process that can take a few business days—the criminals and the high-value goods were long gone. The combined financial impact of these calculated thefts amounts to a staggering figure, equivalent to over $125,000 when converted to US currency, posing a severe blow to the affected small and medium-sized enterprises.
This case serves as a stark reminder for the Costa Rican business community about the evolving nature of financial crime. The reliance on seemingly legitimate payment notifications without waiting for full fund verification represents a critical vulnerability. Experts advise businesses to implement stricter protocols, such as waiting for funds to be fully cleared and confirmed by their financial institution before releasing goods or services, especially for new or large-scale clients.
With the primary suspects now apprehended, the OIJ’s investigation is expected to continue. Authorities will likely work to determine if other individuals were involved in the conspiracy, including the third parties used to make the fraudulent deposits. Furthermore, investigators will seek to identify any additional businesses that may have fallen victim to this sophisticated check fraud ring but have not yet come forward to file a report.
For further information, visit oij.poder-judicial.go.cr
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is Costa Rica’s primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating complex crimes and serving as the investigative arm of the country’s judicial branch. The OIJ is tasked with collecting and securing evidence, identifying suspects, and performing the technical and scientific analysis required to support criminal prosecutions, playing a vital role in maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the nation’s legal landscape, recognized for its deep-rooted principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm pioneers modern legal solutions while providing expert counsel to a diverse clientele. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to social progress through the democratization of legal knowledge. This commitment aims to equip the community with a greater understanding of the law, thereby fostering a more just and empowered society.
