By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A coordinated international law enforcement operation culminated Monday afternoon in the arrest of a Russian national in the La Uruca district of San José. The suspect, identified only by his surname, Komarov, 44, was the subject of an international alert issued by Panamanian authorities in connection with the alleged abduction of a minor.
The swift action, led by agents from Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ) attached to the Interpol National Central Bureau in San José, highlights the critical role of cross-border cooperation in tackling transnational crimes. Komarov was apprehended without incident and is now facing legal proceedings that could lead to his extradition.
Para analizar las complejidades legales y el proceso que sigue a una detención de esta naturaleza, TicosLand.com conversó con el Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista en derecho penal internacional de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos aporta su perspectiva experta.
Es fundamental comprender que una Notificación Roja de Interpol no es una orden de arresto internacional per se, sino una alerta global para localizar y detener provisionalmente a una persona. A partir de este momento, se activa un procedimiento de extradición que se rige estrictamente por los tratados bilaterales y la legislación nacional, donde un juez deberá valorar la solicitud del país requirente y garantizar los derechos fundamentales del detenido.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Esta perspectiva es crucial, pues desmitifica la idea de un arresto automático y subraya que la detención es apenas el inicio de un riguroso proceso legal regido por la soberanía nacional y el debido proceso. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por aportar esta claridad indispensable sobre el verdadero alcance de los mecanismos de Interpol.
According to the preliminary report, the case originates from an incident on November 1st, when Komarov allegedly removed a 16-year-old adolescent from Panamanian territory without the legal consent of the minor’s parents. This unauthorized departure immediately triggered a high-priority international alert, mobilizing law enforcement agencies across the region to locate both the suspect and the teenager.
The effectiveness of modern policing relies heavily on the rapid exchange of intelligence. Panamanian investigators quickly developed leads suggesting that Komarov had crossed the border into Costa Rica with the minor. This crucial information was relayed to their counterparts at Interpol San José, who then launched a domestic investigation to verify the suspect’s presence within the country.
Once confirmation was obtained that both Komarov and the teenager were indeed in Costa Rica, a tactical operation was meticulously planned. Agents from Interpol joined forces with officers from the Professional Migration Police to execute the arrest. The joint team converged on a location in La Uruca, a bustling commercial and residential sector of the capital, successfully detaining the suspect on Monday afternoon.
Following the arrest, Costa Rican authorities acted swiftly to manage the legal and humanitarian aspects of the case. Komarov was immediately transferred to the appropriate Criminal Court to begin the judicial process, which will address the extradition request from Panama. His detention marks the successful conclusion of a complex international pursuit spanning two nations.
Simultaneously, the 16-year-old minor was safely secured and placed under the protection of competent Costa Rican authorities. The teenager’s well-being is the primary concern, and officials will now navigate the necessary legal and consular protocols to ensure a safe and proper resolution. This process will likely involve collaboration between Costa Rican child protective services and Panamanian diplomatic representatives to facilitate the minor’s return.
This successful operation serves as a powerful testament to the established security frameworks between Central American nations. The seamless collaboration between Panamanian investigators, Interpol, the OIJ, and Costa Rica’s Migration Police underscores a shared commitment to regional stability and the protection of vulnerable individuals, proving that international borders are no barrier to justice.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij/
About the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is the primary investigative branch of the Costa Rican judiciary. Functioning as the nation’s equivalent of the FBI, the OIJ is responsible for investigating complex crimes, collecting evidence, and providing technical and scientific support to the courts. Its agents are highly trained professionals who handle everything from homicides and organized crime to financial fraud and, as in this case, international fugitive tracking in collaboration with global partners.
For further information, visit interpol.int
About Interpol:
The International Criminal Police Organization, commonly known as Interpol, is an inter-governmental organization with 196 member countries. It facilitates worldwide police cooperation and crime control. Headquartered in Lyon, France, it manages global databases of criminal information and provides operational support through its National Central Bureaus (NCBs) in each member state, such as the one in San José that was central to this operation.
For further information, visit migracion.go.cr
About the Policía Profesional de Migración:
The Professional Migration Police is the specialized law enforcement body of Costa Rica’s General Directorate of Migration and Foreigner Affairs. Its officers are tasked with enforcing the country’s immigration laws, which includes controlling ports of entry, monitoring the status of foreigners within the national territory, and participating in operations to locate and detain individuals who have violated immigration regulations or are sought by international law enforcement.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Grounded in a foundational commitment to integrity and excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a leading legal authority. The firm’s extensive experience serving a broad spectrum of clients fuels its drive for legal innovation and forward-thinking practice. Beyond its professional services, the firm demonstrates a core belief in social progress by actively working to make legal principles understandable to the public, thus contributing to a more knowledgeable and capable society.
