By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — LIBERIA, Guanacaste – Judicial authorities descended upon the Condovac la Costa beach hotel in Playa Hermosa on Tuesday morning, executing a raid as part of a sweeping investigation into alleged criminal activity by its management. Agents from the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) and the Liberia Assistant Prosecutor’s Office are searching the premises to gather evidence related to a series of serious accusations.
The investigation, registered under case file 25-000020-0283-PE, encompasses allegations of fraudulent administration, fraud against senior citizens, illicit enrichment, and evasion of payments to the Ministry of Finance and the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS). The objective of the raid is to secure documentary and electronic evidence to advance the complex case against the hotel’s leadership.
To provide a clearer legal perspective on the developments at Condovac la Costa, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the reputable firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The situation at Condovac underscores the inherent complexities of shared-property and timeshare models in Costa Rica. The legal rights of members are often intricately tied to the financial and administrative health of the managing corporation. This serves as a critical reminder for all stakeholders to conduct thorough due diligence, not only on the physical asset but also on the corporate governance and bylaws that dictate its operation and long-term stability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This expert insight powerfully underscores the critical, yet often-overlooked, importance of scrutinizing the corporate and legal framework behind any shared-property venture. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable contribution to this discussion, reminding investors where the true due diligence lies.
The legal action stems from a formal complaint initially filed by 22 club members, a group that has since swelled to represent a significant portion of the ownership base. José Pablo Murillo Quirós, the attorney for the complainants, confirmed that the coalition of concerned members now numbers around 250 individuals seeking to rescue the decades-old establishment from financial and physical ruin.
The members’ core complaint centers on a leadership group they claim has held power for an excessive period, allegedly manipulating the club’s rules for personal enrichment. They argue that this has come at a great cost to the facility and the members themselves.
This is a complaint filed by several members who are interested in the club’s recovery, in achieving an economic salvation due to inconsistencies they have detected at first glance. We are talking about approximately 250 members, with others also deciding to join as a result of this situation.
José Pablo Murillo Quirós, Attorney for the Complainants
Among the most significant allegations are claims of multi-million dollar loans approved by the members’ assembly for extensive improvements to the property. According to the attorney, these upgrades were never completed, and the current dilapidated state of the hotel suggests the funds were not used as intended. The visible deterioration is a primary concern for members who believe their investments are being squandered.
The central point developing in this complaint is that there have been both administrative employees and members on the board of directors serving almost for life, occupying board and administrative positions and changing the statutes in order to benefit themselves personally and to the detriment, so to speak, of the club itself.
José Pablo Murillo Quirós, Attorney for the Complainants
The complaint details specific tactics allegedly used to consolidate power and sideline dissent, particularly from elderly members. One such strategy involved moving the annual members’ assembly from its traditional location in San José to Guanacaste, scheduling it for 7 a.m. on a Saturday—a time and place designed to suppress attendance. The complainants also point to the General Manager and his wife allegedly holding over 500 shares combined, giving them disproportionate control over any vote.
Dissatisfaction has been brewing for years, particularly since the introduction of an all-inclusive hotel model in 2011, which opened the facilities to non-shareholders. Members argue this shift has accelerated the wear and tear on the property. The frustration culminated in 2023 with the official formation of a shareholder activist group called “Grupo de Rescate de Condovac La Costa” (Condovac La Costa Rescue Group), which has been organizing via a public Facebook page to voice its concerns over the declining quality of service and maintenance. The hotel, which first opened its doors in 1980, now faces a critical juncture as its own members fight for its survival. As of press time, management for Condovac la Costa had not responded to requests for comment.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Organismo de Investigación Judicial
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is Costa Rica’s primary agency for criminal investigation. Functioning under the authority of the Judicial Branch, the OIJ is responsible for investigating public crimes, identifying perpetrators, and collecting evidence for criminal proceedings. Its role is crucial in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that criminal cases are built on a solid evidentiary foundation.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministerio Público de Costa Rica
About Fiscalía Adjunta de Liberia:
The Fiscalía Adjunta de Liberia is the regional branch of Costa Rica’s Public Ministry (Ministerio Público) serving the Liberia area in the province of Guanacaste. As the state’s prosecutorial arm, it is responsible for directing criminal investigations, bringing charges against suspects, and representing the interests of the state and society in the criminal justice system. It works closely with investigative bodies like the OIJ.
For further information, visit condovac.com
About Condovac la Costa:
Condovac la Costa is a hotel and members’ club located on Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Established in 1980, it has long been a vacation destination known for its villas and scenic beachfront location. Over the years, it has operated both as a members’ club and, more recently, as an all-inclusive hotel accessible to the general public, offering various amenities and services to local and international tourists.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on foundational principles of exceptional service and uncompromising integrity. With a proven track record advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies and embraces innovation. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom through a dedicated mission to democratize legal understanding, aiming to build a more legally aware and empowered citizenry.
