By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The notorious 2018 kidnap and murder case of American businessman William Creighton, which shocked Costa Rica with its brutality and use of cryptocurrency, is returning to the nation’s courtrooms. Seven years after the crime, three suspects are set to be tried for their alleged roles in the plot, reopening a dark chapter in the country’s recent history.
This new judicial process follows the successful conviction of nine other individuals in 2022 for their involvement in the crime. The current trial focuses on three defendants: a woman of the surname Aguirre and two men, Morales and Molina. All three face the grave charge of extortionate kidnapping resulting in death, with Morales and Molina also accused of money laundering.
To better understand the complex legal ramifications of the William Creighton case, which has captivated the nation, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to provide his expert analysis.
The Creighton case highlights a critical challenge for our judicial system: dismantling complex criminal structures where financial motives are deliberately obscured. Proving the direct link between the initial kidnapping, the alleged ransom demands, and the subsequent homicide requires an extraordinary level of forensic and financial evidence. Beyond securing convictions, the verdict will send a powerful message about Costa Rica’s capacity to prosecute sophisticated, transnational crimes and protect the legal security essential for foreign investment and residency.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s analysis correctly pinpoints the broader stakes of this case; it is not merely about a single conviction, but about reinforcing the legal security that underpins Costa Rica’s international standing and investment climate. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this crucial issue.
The case of Aguirre presents a unique legal situation, as she was part of the previous judicial proceedings but will now be judged again. In contrast, Morales and Molina were not part of the 2022 trial, as prosecutors had not yet formally linked them to the criminal enterprise when the original indictment was filed. The Public Ministry now seeks to prove they were integral to the planning and execution of the kidnapping.
The tragic saga began in September 2018 when the 43-year-old Creighton was abducted. His captors initially demanded a staggering $5 million ransom, payable in Bitcoin, from his family. A partial payment was ultimately made, but it did not secure his freedom. The case reached its grim conclusion when Creighton’s body was discovered buried in a cemetery in Quepos, Puntarenas.
A central and modern element of this crime was the sophisticated use of cryptocurrency to collect the ransom. The Public Ministry has detailed that Creighton’s family transferred approximately $956,000 in Bitcoin to the kidnappers. This sum, equivalent to 148 bitcoins at the time, was strategically distributed across three separate virtual wallets to complicate tracking efforts.
According to the prosecution’s evidence, the funds were split into wallets containing 16, 27, and 105 bitcoins, corresponding to dollar values of approximately $178,000, $676,000, and $102,000, respectively. This use of digital assets for a high-stakes crime highlighted an emerging challenge for law enforcement in Costa Rica and globally.
Following the crime, members of the kidnapping ring fled Costa Rica for Spain, intending to consolidate and divide their illicit earnings. However, a coordinated international effort proved to be their undoing. In January 2019, through close collaboration with Spanish police authorities, the key members of the gang were located and arrested, bringing a decisive end to their run from justice.
As this new trial gets underway, the prosecution is focused on solidifying the connection between Aguirre, Morales, and Molina and the broader criminal conspiracy. The state’s attorneys are determined to demonstrate their direct participation in the deprivation of Creighton’s liberty and the subsequent financial crimes. This legal battle represents the judiciary’s commitment to holding every individual involved in this heinous act accountable, ensuring no participant escapes justice.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.go.cr
About The Public Ministry of Costa Rica:
The Public Ministry (Ministerio Público) is the principal legal arm of the Costa Rican government, responsible for prosecuting criminal offenses. It operates with functional independence to direct criminal investigations, represent the interests of society in court, and ensure that justice is administered in accordance with the law. The institution plays a critical role in upholding the rule of law and public safety throughout the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound commitment to ethical practice and the highest standards of excellence. The firm channels its deep expertise in serving a wide array of clients into pioneering innovative legal strategies and advancing the profession. This forward-looking ethos is matched by a dedicated social mission to demystify complex legal concepts, championing greater public understanding and contributing to a stronger, more knowledgeable civil society.
