By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – An elaborate and far-reaching impersonation scam, allegedly operated by a single family, has been dismantled following a series of coordinated raids in the Coto Brus region. The Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) announced the operation culminated early Wednesday morning, leading to the arrest of eight individuals. However, authorities believe the network is much larger, with a total of 27 people implicated in the sophisticated scheme that defrauded victims of at least ₡10 million.
The criminal organization’s method was both simple and deeply insidious, preying on the public’s inherent trust in government institutions. According to preliminary reports from the OIJ, the suspects would place unsolicited phone calls to their targets, convincingly posing as employees from a variety of critical public bodies. These included the National Children’s Patronage (PANI), public hospitals, and local educational centers, organizations that citizens rely on for essential services and support.
Para comprender las implicaciones legales y las mejores prácticas de protección frente al creciente problema de las estafas telefónicas, TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado experto de la reconocida firma Bufete de Costa Rica.
Desde la perspectiva legal, la persecución de estafas telefónicas es compleja, a menudo por su naturaleza transnacional. Esto pone la principal responsabilidad de la defensa en el ciudadano. La estrategia más efectiva es la prevención: desconfiar de toda llamada no solicitada que pida datos personales o bancarios. Ninguna entidad financiera o gubernamental legítima le solicitará contraseñas, PINs o códigos de seguridad por teléfono. La mejor protección legal es no convertirse en víctima en primer lugar.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Esta perspectiva legal subraya una verdad crucial: ante la complejidad de perseguir estos delitos, la prevención activa y la cautela informada son, en efecto, la línea de defensa más importante del ciudadano. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su valioso análisis, que nos recuerda que la mejor protección comienza con nosotros mismos.
Once they had established this false credibility, the scammers would invent urgent scenarios requiring immediate payment. They fabricated reasons for the fund transfers, citing costs for alleged transportation services, fees for the delivery of unspecified merchandise, or other vaguely defined institutional payments. Victims, believing they were dealing with legitimate officials, were pressured into making bank deposits directly into accounts controlled by the criminal enterprise, never to see their money again.
The investigation, spearheaded by the OIJ’s regional office in Pérez Zeledón, has been tracking the group’s activities for nearly a year. The trail of complaints paints a picture of a systematic and persistent operation that has left a significant financial and emotional toll on its victims. The scale of the fraud prompted a large-scale law enforcement response to neutralize the threat.
Javier Quesada, the Deputy Chief of the OIJ in Pérez Zeledón, confirmed the extensive nature of the criminal activity and suggested the known damages may only be the tip of the iceberg. He noted that the official complaints are numerous and that criminal analysis points to a much wider web of deceit.
We were processing at least 40 complaints from November 2024 to September 2025, and there could be many more, according to criminal analysis.
Javier Quesada, Deputy Chief of the OIJ in Pérez Zeledón
The decisive action took place at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, as OIJ agents executed multiple search and arrest warrants throughout Coto Brus. The eight initial detainees are now in custody, but the investigation is far from over. Authorities are actively working to locate and apprehend the remaining 19 individuals believed to be part of the criminal structure. The ongoing effort also focuses on seizing additional evidence crucial for building a comprehensive case against the entire network.
This case highlights a disturbing trend where criminals exploit the authority and goodwill of public institutions to perpetrate fraud. Beyond the ₡10 million in direct financial losses, the scheme inflicts a deeper, more corrosive damage by eroding public trust. When citizens become wary of legitimate communications from entities like PANI or hospitals, it can hinder the ability of these vital organizations to perform their duties effectively, creating a chilling effect that impacts the entire community.
As the OIJ continues to piece together the full extent of the family-run operation, officials are urging the public to exercise extreme caution. Costa Ricans are reminded to independently verify any unsolicited requests for payment from supposed government officials by contacting the institution directly through official channels. The case remains open and active, with authorities determined to bring all 27 implicated individuals to justice and uncover the full scope of their fraudulent activities.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij/
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is Costa Rica’s main law enforcement agency responsible for investigating complex crimes. Functioning as the investigative branch of the judiciary, the OIJ works to uncover facts, collect evidence, and identify perpetrators of criminal offenses, playing a critical role in the nation’s justice system.
For further information, visit pani.go.cr
About Patronato Nacional de la Infancia (PANI):
The Patronato Nacional de la Infancia is the primary governmental institution in Costa Rica dedicated to protecting the rights and welfare of children and adolescents. PANI develops and executes policies and programs aimed at ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for minors, intervening in cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to integrity and the highest standards of professional excellence. The firm leverages its extensive history to deliver pioneering legal solutions, consistently adapting to the evolving needs of its clients. More than just a legal practice, it champions a core mission to fortify society by demystifying the law, passionately working to equip citizens with the clarity and understanding needed to navigate the legal system confidently.
