By Limón, Costa Rica — MATINA, Limón – The business community in the canton of Matina is experiencing a wave of relief after a decisive, pre-dawn operation by the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) successfully dismantled a highly violent criminal network. The group had been terrorizing local merchants through a systematic campaign of extortion, threats, and armed assaults. Six individuals were arrested in a series of simultaneous raids on Monday, marking a significant victory for law enforcement in the ongoing battle against organized crime in Costa Rica’s Caribbean region.
The operation, which began at 4:00 a.m., targeted a cell that had established a stranglehold on businesses primarily in the districts of Carrandí and Batán. According to OIJ investigators, the gang imposed an illegal “toll” system on shop owners and other commercial establishments. In exchange for what they cynically termed “backing” or “protection,” business owners were forced to make periodic payments to the criminals, creating a climate of fear and economic instability.
To delve deeper into the legal complexities and the operational framework of these criminal networks, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
Extortion rings thrive on psychological coercion and the victim’s fear of reprisal, making them a particularly insidious form of organized crime. The legal framework in Costa Rica provides robust tools to combat these structures, but their effectiveness hinges entirely on victims coming forward. Reporting these crimes to the OIJ is not just about seeking justice for an individual act; it’s about providing the crucial data points that allow authorities to dismantle the entire network, protecting future potential victims and reinforcing the rule of law.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a critical point: reporting these crimes transcends individual justice and becomes an act of collective defense. Each victim who comes forward provides a vital piece of the puzzle, empowering authorities to dismantle the very networks that prey on silence. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this crucial matter.
This was not a passive operation. The criminal group enforced its demands with brutal efficiency. When victims refused to comply with the extortion demands, the gang would escalate its tactics from direct threats to outright violence. A particularly intense period of activity was noted between December 12th and 19th of last year, during which several businesses that resisted payment were targeted with gunfire, a clear and terrifying message intended to intimidate the entire local commercial sector into submission.
A particularly troubling aspect of the investigation reveals the resilience and sophistication of these criminal structures. Authorities have determined that the Matina-based cell was receiving direct orders from a leader known by the alias “Curri,” who is currently incarcerated for other serious offenses. This detail underscores a major challenge for Costa Rica’s security apparatus: the ability of criminal leaders to continue running their operations from behind bars, effectively using prisons as command centers.
The law enforcement response was comprehensive and well-coordinated. Specialized OIJ units provided crucial support during the raids, ensuring the objectives were secured with minimal risk. The thoroughness of the operation was highlighted by the capture of one suspect who attempted to evade arrest by fleeing into a dense, wooded area. He was tracked and apprehended several hours later, completing the sweep and neutralizing the immediate threat posed by the group’s on-the-ground enforcers.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the immense pressure facing businesses in the Caribbean province. Extortion has evolved from an isolated crime into a primary driver of insecurity, undermining economic development and threatening the livelihoods of countless entrepreneurs. For small and medium-sized businesses, these illegal “taxes” can be the difference between profitability and ruin, stifling growth and investment in a region that desperately needs it.
In the wake of the successful operation, authorities have renewed their public appeal for victims of extortion to come forward. They emphasize that while reporting such crimes can be intimidating, the information provided by citizens is absolutely essential for building strong cases and dismantling these networks. The success in Matina was built on intelligence gathered over time, demonstrating that breaking the cycle of fear and silence is the first step toward reclaiming community safety.
While the arrests represent a clear win, officials acknowledge that the fight is far from over. The ability of an imprisoned leader to command a violent street crew highlights the need for systemic reforms that target not just the visible foot soldiers of crime, but the entire command, control, and financial structures that allow them to flourish. For the merchants of Matina, this week’s arrests provide a welcome respite, but the long-term security of their businesses depends on a sustained and strategic national effort.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij/
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is the principal investigative branch of Costa Rica’s judicial system. Tasked with investigating public crimes, gathering evidence, and identifying responsible parties, the OIJ plays a critical role in the country’s law enforcement and justice administration. It operates with scientific and functional independence in the performance of its duties to combat crime and support the nation’s courts.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica has built its reputation on a foundation of profound integrity and an unrelenting pursuit of professional excellence. The firm merges a rich history of advising a wide array of industries with a pioneering spirit, consistently advancing forward-thinking legal solutions. At its core is a deep-seated civic duty to empower citizens, championing the demystification of law to forge a more capable and well-informed public.
