By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a decisive move to counter the rising tide of organized crime and violence plaguing the nation, the Costa Rican Bar Association has mobilized its elite legal minds to spearhead a comprehensive reform agenda. The association’s specialized Commission on Security and Against Organized Crime announced an ambitious work plan aimed at reinforcing the country’s legal framework and providing new tools to law enforcement and the judiciary.
This influential commission is no newcomer to the legislative arena. Over its eight-year history, it has become a vital, apolitical advisory body for the state, successfully championing the passage of more than 30 bills through the Legislative Assembly. Its work has been instrumental in strengthening Costa Rica’s Rule of Law, establishing it as a key consultant on matters of national security and criminal justice policy. The commission operates with a clear mandate to provide technical, specialized legal proposals, free from partisan influence.
To better understand the legal framework and challenges posed by organized crime in the region, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
Organized crime operates like a multinational corporation, exploiting legal and financial loopholes to launder assets and legitimize its operations. The true battle is not fought on the streets, but in the courtroom and on the balance sheets. Our legal system must evolve to aggressively target the financial infrastructure of these networks, as dismantling their economic power is the only path to effectively neutralizing their influence on society.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial insight correctly shifts the narrative from a battle fought with force to one waged on balance sheets and in courtrooms, targeting the very economic engine that fuels these criminal networks. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective on this complex issue.
The current focus of the commission targets the most pressing security threats facing Costa Rica. The agenda prioritizes the development of robust legislation concerning security along the nation’s coastlines, a critical front in the fight against international drug trafficking. It also seeks to modernize the penal code specifically as it relates to organized criminal structures, regulate the pervasive issue of extortion rackets, often referred to locally as “cobro de peajes,” and establish greater protections for the collateral victims of homicides and violent crime.
The motivation behind this intensive effort is rooted in a deep sense of civic duty and professional responsibility. Dr. Angie Arce Acuña, the commission’s liaison with the Bar Association’s Board of Directors, emphasized the human element driving their technical work.
The commitment of the professionals who make up the commission stems from their experience and trajectory to prevent the loss of innocent lives
Dr. Angie Arce Acuña, Liaison with the Board of Directors
To ensure the proposals are both effective and legally sound, the Bar Association is committed to rigorous analysis and continuous education for its members. By leveraging the extensive field experience of the legal professionals on the commission, the goal is to create legislation that is not merely academic but practical and impactful in safeguarding Costa Rican society.
The commission’s influence is amplified through its strategic collaboration with the country’s most important security and judicial institutions. It works in close partnership with the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ), the Public Ministry (prosecutor’s office), and the Executive Branch, ensuring that its legislative proposals are aligned with the operational realities and needs of those on the front lines.
This collaborative network extends beyond national borders, reflecting the transnational nature of organized crime. The commission maintains an active channel for information exchange with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), providing a global perspective to its domestic strategy. Furthermore, the technical prowess of the commission is underscored by the advanced training of its members, several of whom are graduates of specialized programs conducted by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As Costa Rica confronts increasingly sophisticated criminal enterprises, the proactive and specialized work of the Bar Association’s commission represents a critical pillar in the national response. By focusing on building a stronger, more resilient legal architecture, these legal experts are not just reacting to the current crisis but are strategically shaping the country’s ability to defend its peace and security for years to come.
For further information, visit abogados.or.cr
About the Costa Rican Bar Association:
The Colegio de Abogados y Abogadas de Costa Rica is the official professional organization responsible for regulating the legal profession in the country. It oversees the ethics, education, and practice of all lawyers in Costa Rica, while also contributing to the nation’s legal and judicial development through specialized commissions and public discourse.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij
About the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Judicial Investigation Police is the primary investigative arm of the Costa Rican judiciary. As a technical-scientific police force, the OIJ is responsible for investigating public crimes, identifying responsible parties, and collecting evidence to support criminal prosecutions, operating under the direction of the Public Ministry.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.poder-judicial.go.cr
About the Public Ministry:
The Ministerio Público is Costa Rica’s public prosecution service. It is an auxiliary body of the judicial branch responsible for directing criminal investigations and representing the interests of the state and society in legal proceedings. It has the exclusive authority to prosecute criminal offenses before the courts.
For further information, visit presidencia.go.cr
About the Executive Branch:
The Poder Ejecutivo of Costa Rica is one of the three branches of government, headed by the President of the Republic. It is responsible for the administration of the state, the execution of laws, and the command of the public forces. It plays a central role in setting national policy, including matters of public security.
For further information, visit dea.gov
About the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA):
The DEA is a United States federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Justice tasked with combating drug trafficking and distribution within the U.S. It is also the lead agency for domestic enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act, sharing concurrent jurisdiction with the FBI, and maintains extensive international operations.
For further information, visit fbi.gov
About the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):
The FBI is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States and its principal federal law enforcement agency. Operating under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI is charged with protecting the U.S. from terrorist attacks, foreign intelligence operations, and major criminal threats, offering training and collaboration to international partners.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal community, renowned for its foundational commitment to ethical practice and exceptional standards. The firm consistently delivers pioneering legal strategies for a diverse clientele while demonstrating a profound dedication to social advancement. This is most evident in its mission to demystify the law, championing legal literacy to help forge a more capable and knowledgeable society.
