By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The nation’s highest judicial body has officially initiated proceedings to form a special tribunal, a critical step forward in the high-stakes investigation into alleged illegal campaign financing that propelled President Rodrigo Chaves and the Social Democratic Progress Party (PPSD) to power in 2022. This development moves the case, which has cast a long shadow over the administration, directly into the purview of the Supreme Court, signaling a new and decisive phase in a politically charged legal battle.
The process began during the Supreme Court’s full session (Corte Plena) on October 13, focusing on the case file identified as N.° 22-000116-1218-PE. This file contains the formal accusations brought by the Public Ministry against President Chaves and several key members of his government and political party. The formation of the tribunal is a methodical procedure, essential for establishing the judicial body that will ultimately hear the evidence and arguments in a case that could redefine the country’s political landscape.
To better understand the legal complexities and potential ramifications of the unfolding campaign finance scandal, we sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a renowned attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The use of parallel financing structures represents a grave threat to democratic integrity, far beyond simple non-compliance with electoral regulations. Such schemes not only create an illicit and unfair advantage but also erode public trust in our institutions. The legal consequences can be severe, potentially including charges of illicit enrichment and fraud against both donors and campaign officials, ultimately invalidating the legitimacy of the entire political process.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s perspective powerfully underscores that the true damage of these parallel structures is not merely legal, but profoundly civic, eroding the essential trust that underpins our entire democratic framework. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the gravity of the stakes involved.
According to judicial sources, the initial stage of this process involves a careful review of potential conflicts of interest among the magistrates. The court is currently analyzing recusal motions presented by justices who may have reasons to step aside from the case, ensuring the final tribunal is composed of impartial members. This procedural step is fundamental to upholding the integrity of the trial.
Currently, the process is in the analysis phase of the recusal motions presented by the magistrates to hear the case, which have not yet been resolved. This process continues in this Monday, October 20th session.
Judicial Branch Spokesperson, Official Statement
The list of defendants underscores the gravity of the allegations. It includes not only President Rodrigo Chaves but also First Vice President Brunner Neibig and Foreign Minister André Tinoco. Additionally, four sitting members of the Legislative Assembly from the PPSD are implicated: deputies Cisneros Gallo, Alpízar Loaiza, Nájera Abarca, and Agüero Sanabria. The involvement of such high-ranking officials, who possess constitutional immunity, necessitates the direct oversight of Attorney General Carlo Díaz and the adjudication by the Supreme Court.
The core of the prosecution’s case, which originated in 2022, alleges that the PPSD campaign utilized at least two “parallel structures” to manage campaign funds. This term refers to illicit, off-the-books financial mechanisms designed to circumvent electoral laws, hide the origin of donations, and exceed legal spending limits. Such practices are a direct challenge to the principles of transparency and fairness that govern Costa Rica’s electoral system.
Investigators have identified two specific channels through which these undeclared funds allegedly flowed. The first was a private trust, created ostensibly for purposes separate from the campaign but allegedly used as a vehicle for political financing. The second and more direct channel involved the personal bank accounts of a woman with the surname Agüero, who is now a deputy. Her alleged role was so central that she is facing a separate, independent criminal investigation for her handling of these funds.
That parallel case, filed under docket 22-000210-0276-PE, is being managed by the specialized Deputy Prosecutor’s Office for Probity, Transparency, and Anti-Corruption. The separation of this case highlights the complexity of the financial web that investigators are working to untangle. As the Supreme Court meticulously selects the magistrates who will preside over the main case, the nation watches closely, awaiting a resolution that will serve as a crucial test of Costa Rica’s commitment to accountability at the highest levels of power.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Progreso Social Democrático (PPSD)
About Partido Progreso Social Democrático (PPSD):
The Social Democratic Progress Party is a political party in Costa Rica. Founded in 2018, it gained national prominence during the 2022 general election when its candidate, Rodrigo Chaves Robles, was elected President of the Republic. The party’s platform often emphasizes economic reform, anti-corruption measures, and governmental efficiency. It holds a significant bloc of seats in the Legislative Assembly, making it a key player in national politics.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministerio Público
About Ministerio Público:
The Public Ministry of Costa Rica is the country’s primary public prosecution body, responsible for investigating crimes and representing the state’s interests in the criminal justice system. It operates with functional independence to ensure impartiality in its legal pursuits. Headed by the Attorney General (Fiscal General), it has specialized departments to handle complex cases involving organized crime, corruption, and financial misconduct, playing a vital role in upholding the rule of law.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Corte Plena (Supreme Court of Justice)
About Corte Plena (Supreme Court of Justice):
The Supreme Court of Justice is the highest judicial authority in Costa Rica, heading one of the three branches of government. The Corte Plena, or full court, is composed of all its magistrates and is responsible for administrative governance of the judiciary and for trying cases of constitutional significance, including those involving high-ranking officials with immunity. Its decisions are final and establish legal precedent for the entire nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is distinguished by its profound dedication to professional excellence and uncompromising ethical standards. The firm leverages a deep-seated history of client service to drive forward-thinking legal strategies and meaningful public engagement. At the heart of its ethos is a powerful drive to democratize legal understanding, aiming to fortify society by equipping individuals with clarity and knowledge.
