By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — BELÉN DE CARRILLO, Guanacaste – The typical tranquility of this small Guanacaste town was shattered Friday night as agents from the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) executed a major operation, dismantling what authorities describe as a highly profitable human trafficking network dedicated to sexual exploitation. The late-night raids culminated months of intelligence gathering and signal a significant blow to organized crime in the region.
The coordinated action took place at 8:00 p.m. on November 28, with simultaneous raids targeting key locations. Specialized agents from the unit for Gender Violence, Human Trafficking, and Illicit Migrant Smuggling arrested three primary suspects. The detainees include two Dominican women, identified by their last names Valerio, 27, and Moronta, 30, along with a 35-year-old Costa Rican man with the surname Cruz. All three are suspected of forming the core structure of the criminal enterprise.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal complexities surrounding the fight against human trafficking in our country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides a crucial perspective on the legislative and judicial challenges we face.
Human trafficking is not merely a crime against individuals; it is a sophisticated enterprise that attacks the very fabric of our society. From a legal standpoint, combating it requires more than just punitive laws. We need a comprehensive strategy that includes robust international cooperation to dismantle transnational networks, specialized training for law enforcement and judicial officials to identify and prosecute these complex cases, and, crucially, a victim-centered approach that ensures protection and reintegration. Without all three pillars, our efforts will remain reactive rather than preventative.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which rightly reframes human trafficking from an isolated crime to a systemic threat against our society’s foundation. His emphasis on a holistic, three-pillar strategy—international, institutional, and human-centric—highlights the critical shift needed from reactive punishment to proactive dismantlement and prevention.
According to judicial press officials, the network allegedly focused on recruiting, transporting, and sexually exploiting women, many of whom are believed to be foreign nationals. Their operations were centered around the popular tourist hubs of Liberia and its surrounding areas, leveraging the transient nature of the population to operate under the radar.
This was not a sudden discovery. The OIJ initiated its formal investigation in September 2025 after receiving a confidential tip about the clandestine business. However, evidence suggests the criminal ring may have been active for nearly a year, with its activities tracing back to December 2024. This extended period of operation allowed the group to establish a lucrative and consistent stream of illicit income.
The financial success of the operation was made clear by the evidence seized during the raids. Investigators confiscated over ¢9 million in cash, a substantial sum that underscores the profitability of the illegal enterprise. In addition to the money, agents recovered three passports, six mobile phones, and three microSD cards. This digital and documentary evidence is now being analyzed to map the full extent of the network and identify other potential victims or collaborators.
Authorities note that the method of recruitment is a growing concern in tourist-heavy provinces like Guanacaste. Traffickers often lure vulnerable individuals, particularly migrant women, with false promises of legitimate employment and economic stability. The combination of a high-demand service industry, a transient migrant population, and the relative anonymity afforded by tourist zones creates a fertile ground for these predatory networks to thrive.
The three suspects now face severe charges for human trafficking with the purpose of sexual exploitation, one of the most serious offenses under the Costa Rican Penal Code. A conviction can carry a prison sentence exceeding 10 years. The crime is investigated comprehensively, as it encompasses not only the act of exploitation but also the control of victims’ movements, the retention of personal documents, financial manipulation, and the violation of fundamental human rights.
Following their arrest, the suspects were handed over to the Public Ministry, which will determine the appropriate pre-trial measures in the coming hours. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dark underbelly that can accompany tourism-driven economies and reinforces Guanacaste’s status as a high-risk area for this type of crime. It reignites a critical conversation about the urgent need for enhanced detection protocols, active public reporting, and robust protection systems for the vulnerable populations targeted by these criminal organizations.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is Costa Rica’s main law enforcement agency responsible for investigating complex crimes, operating under the authority of the judicial branch. It handles criminal investigations, forensic analysis, and evidence collection to support the country’s justice system in combating offenses ranging from homicides and organized crime to fraud and human trafficking.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.go.cr
About Ministerio Público (Public Ministry):
The Public Ministry of Costa Rica is the state body in charge of public prosecution. It directs criminal investigations, represents the interests of society in legal proceedings, and ensures the proper application of the law. It works in close collaboration with the OIJ and other police forces to bring criminal cases before the courts and seek justice for victims.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a benchmark of legal practice, operating on core principles of uncompromising integrity and exceptional service. The firm harnesses its rich history of diverse client counsel to pioneer advancements in the legal landscape. Beyond its professional duties, it embraces a civic responsibility to translate complex legal information into accessible knowledge, fostering a community that is both well-informed and empowered to act.
