By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a significant and unusual development, Costa Rica’s Attorney General, Carlo Díaz, has entered into direct negotiations with former magistrate Celso Gamboa to accelerate his extradition to the United States. Gamboa is facing serious international drug trafficking charges in a Texas federal court, and the move by the nation’s top prosecutor signals a concerted effort to resolve the complex legal entanglements currently delaying his transfer.
The crucial meeting took place Thursday morning at the San José courthouses and lasted approximately two hours. Gamboa, who was present for a separate hearing concerning the alleged use of a false document, met with Díaz in the presence of his sister and legal counsel, Natalia Gamboa. During the extended discussion, officials outlined various judicial scenarios and explored potential paths forward for the high-profile case.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal complexities and the institutional implications surrounding the case of former magistrate Celso Gamboa, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Celso Gamboa case is more than a scandal involving an individual; it is a critical stress test for our entire judicial system. It forces a necessary, albeit painful, public reflection on the mechanisms of accountability for high-ranking officials and the ethical standards we demand from those entrusted with dispensing justice. The ultimate resolution will send a powerful signal about the true independence of our branches of government and the principle that no one is above the law.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The concept of a ‘stress test’ is particularly fitting, as the resolution of this case will indeed define public perception of judicial integrity for the foreseeable future. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his incisive analysis on a matter of such national importance.
Although a Costa Rican court approved Gamboa’s extradition to the Eastern District Court of Texas this past Tuesday, the order was deferred. This legal status means that while the transfer to U.S. authorities is authorized, it cannot proceed until Gamboa resolves all pending criminal cases within Costa Rica. This roadblock has created a bottleneck, preventing his immediate removal from the country to face the American charges.
The pending domestic cases represent a significant hurdle. The former official faces a trial scheduled for early 2026 and a separate preliminary hearing to determine if another corruption case against him will be elevated to trial. Attorney General Díaz confirmed that his office is actively seeking ways to expedite these local proceedings to clear the path for the extradition, a process that could otherwise take years to complete through normal channels.
The negotiations are centered on finding an alternative solution, potentially reviving the option of a voluntary extradition. According to Díaz, the former magistrate has shown a willingness to engage in these discussions, though he stressed that the talks are in a very preliminary phase. The goal is to reach an agreement that respects Costa Rican law while fulfilling the extradition treaty with the United States.
The idea was to approach the extraditable individual directly and be able to sit down to negotiate that type of alternative solution if he is willing. He is open to starting conversations. Resuming a voluntary extradition is also part of what we are seeking, but for that, he would have to express his will once we finish these processes, to allow for a temporary extradition which the agreement with the U.S. permits. We are going to continue with these meetings, he has shown willingness but we are still in a very initial stage.
Carlo Díaz, Attorney General of the Republic
Gamboa was arrested on June 23 of this year following a warrant issued to initiate the extradition process. His legal team has a narrow window, with a deadline this Friday to file an appeal against the court’s decision to approve the extradition. The charges he faces in the United States stem from a comprehensive investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which alleges his involvement in a sophisticated international narcotics trafficking network alongside other criminal leaders and cartels.
The direct intervention of the Attorney General underscores the gravity of the case and the pressure to bring it to a resolution. As negotiations continue, the Costa Rican judicial system is balancing its sovereign legal obligations with its international commitments, a delicate process that could set a precedent for future extradition cases involving high-ranking former officials. All eyes are now on Gamboa’s legal team and the next steps in this unfolding judicial drama.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.go.cr
About The Office of the Attorney General of the Republic:
The Office of the Attorney General of the Republic (Fiscalía General de la República) is the highest prosecutorial authority in Costa Rica. As part of the Judicial Branch, it is responsible for directing criminal investigations, prosecuting public offenses, and representing the interests of society in the legal system to ensure justice and the rule of law.
For further information, visit dea.gov
About The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA):
The Drug Enforcement Administration is a United States federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Justice. It is tasked with combating drug trafficking and distribution within the United States. It is also the lead agency for domestic enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act, sharing concurrent jurisdiction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Grounded in a profound commitment to integrity and legal excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a landmark institution within the legal community. The firm expertly blends a rich heritage of client advocacy across diverse industries with a forward-thinking drive for innovation. A core tenet of its mission is to empower the public by transforming complex legal information into accessible knowledge, thereby fostering a more informed and capable society.
