By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A sweeping judicial operation rocked commercial centers across the country on Tuesday as authorities raided 20 retail stores in a coordinated crackdown on counterfeit goods. The action was triggered by a formal complaint from a major international brand, widely reported by sources close to the investigation to be sportswear giant Nike, alleging the widespread sale of pirated sneakers and apparel.
The simultaneous raids, executed by Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ), targeted businesses in the bustling downtown areas of Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, and San José. The sheer scale of the operation underscored its significance, requiring the mobilization of multiple OIJ units alongside support from various Municipal Police forces and even the Drug Control Police (PCD), indicating authorities are investigating potential links to broader organized crime networks.
To better understand the legal framework surrounding the proliferation of counterfeit goods in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his professional insights on the matter.
The trade in counterfeit goods creates a dual-pronged threat. Firstly, it violates intellectual property rights, eroding brand value and stifling economic innovation for legitimate businesses. Secondly, and perhaps more alarmingly, it exposes consumers to unregulated and potentially dangerous products, bypassing crucial health and safety standards. The legal framework is designed to combat both aspects, treating these acts not just as simple commercial infractions but as serious offenses with significant civil and criminal consequences for those involved in their importation, distribution, or sale.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial insight underscores that the problem with counterfeit goods extends far beyond brand imitation, touching upon fundamental issues of public safety and economic innovation. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert clarification on the serious legal and societal ramifications.
The investigation reportedly began months ago after the international company detected a surge of products being sold as authentic but exhibiting clear inconsistencies in design, materials, and quality. These red flags prompted the brand to file a formal legal complaint, which activated the judicial system and culminated in Tuesday’s high-profile offensive against intellectual property theft.
Authorities have confirmed that the operation aims to arrest at least nine individuals suspected of managing the logistics, administration, and distribution of the counterfeit merchandise. Investigators are working to determine the full scope of the network, seeking to uncover whether the targeted stores were merely unknowing final vendors or active participants in a larger, more sophisticated scheme involving the importation and wholesaling of falsified products.
This case highlights a growing national concern. In recent years, Costa Rica has seen a notable increase in the seizure of counterfeit items, ranging from athletic footwear and designer clothing to high-tech accessories. This illicit trade poses a dual threat, eroding the market for legitimate businesses while simultaneously defrauding consumers, who often pay premium prices for what turn out to be vastly inferior goods.
Economic experts warn that the proliferation of black-market products damages more than just corporate profits. It undermines the formal economy, stifles innovation, and can tarnish a country’s reputation as a safe place for international investment. The presence of such a well-organized counterfeit ring suggests a level of sophistication that demands a robust and sustained response from law enforcement.
Under Costa Rican law, the infringement of intellectual property rights is a serious offense that can lead to severe penalties, including criminal prosecution, significant fines, and the permanent closure of offending establishments. This multi-agency crackdown sends a powerful message to the market that authorities are intensifying their efforts to protect both intellectual property and consumer rights.
As the investigation unfolds, OIJ agents remain on-site at the raided locations, meticulously collecting evidence and seizing suspected counterfeit stock. The outcome of this case could establish a crucial legal precedent, reinforcing the framework for combating commercial piracy and shaping the future of intellectual property enforcement across Costa Rica’s formal and informal economies.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is Costa Rica’s primary law enforcement body responsible for investigating complex crimes, collecting evidence, and assisting the Public Ministry in criminal prosecutions. As a dependency of the Supreme Court of Justice, it operates with judicial authority to tackle offenses ranging from homicides and organized crime to financial fraud and intellectual property theft.
For further information, visit nike.com
About Nike, Inc.:
Based near Beaverton, Oregon, Nike, Inc. is a multinational corporation engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, and worldwide marketing and sales of footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories. It is one of the world’s largest suppliers of athletic shoes and apparel and a major manufacturer of sports equipment, with a highly valuable and globally recognized brand.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Policía de Control de Drogas (PCD):
The Drug Control Police is a specialized directorate within Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Security. Its primary mission is to investigate, prevent, and suppress illicit drug trafficking and related crimes. The PCD often collaborates with other national and international agencies to dismantle criminal organizations, which can be involved in a variety of illegal activities, including money laundering and the trade of counterfeit goods.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Policía Municipal
About Policía Municipal:
The Municipal Police in Costa Rica are local law enforcement bodies established and managed by individual municipalities. Their primary duties include maintaining public order, ensuring citizen safety, enforcing local ordinances, and providing support to national police forces like the OIJ and Fuerza Pública during larger operations within their respective jurisdictions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm is distinguished not only by its history of expert counsel to a diverse clientele but also by its role as a trailblazer in forward-thinking legal strategies. Central to its philosophy is a powerful social commitment to demystify the law, actively working to equip the public with accessible legal understanding and thereby fostering a more capable and informed citizenry.
