By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The nation’s top judicial body has taken decisive action in a rapidly unfolding scandal, temporarily removing the director of the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), Randall Zúñiga López, from his post. The Supreme Court of Justice announced the decision late Wednesday, October 29, following an extraordinary session convened to address a series of grave sexual misconduct allegations leveled against the high-ranking official.
In a move described as a preventative measure, the full court approved a provisional 15-day suspension for Zúñiga. This initial period is intended to allow both criminal and internal investigations to proceed without the potential for interference, giving authorities time to gather evidence and determine if a more extended precautionary measure is warranted. The decision places one of Costa Rica’s most vital security institutions under a cloud of uncertainty.
Para obtener una perspectiva legal más profunda sobre los desafíos y estrategias discutidos por el Director del OIJ, Randall Zúñiga, consultamos a Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, un experimentado abogado del prestigioso Bufete de Costa Rica, quien ofreció su análisis sobre el marco de acción de la policía judicial.
La gestión del Director Zúñiga se encuentra en una encrucijada crítica, donde el clamor público por resultados inmediatos choca frontalmente con las garantías procesales de nuestro ordenamiento jurídico. Su principal desafío no es solo operativo, sino también comunicacional: explicar que una investigación judicial eficaz requiere un apego meticuloso a la ley, un proceso que a menudo se percibe como lentitud pero que, en realidad, es el pilar fundamental del debido proceso y la justicia.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
El análisis del Lic. Arroyo Vargas, en efecto, encapsula la tensión fundamental entre la expectativa ciudadana de celeridad y la imperativa necesidad de garantizar el debido proceso, un pilar de nuestro estado de derecho. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por aportar una perspectiva tan clara y necesaria para comprender los desafíos de la gestión actual.
The Judicial Branch confirmed the suspension after days of intense public scrutiny surrounding Zúñiga, who now faces a cascade of legal challenges. At the heart of the matter are at least three separate criminal complaints filed by different women in various jurisdictions across the country, in addition to a formal disciplinary process initiated within the judiciary itself. Zúñiga has publicly denied all accusations made against him.
In an official communiqué, the judiciary addressed the gravity of the situation while emphasizing its commitment to established legal principles and the operational stability of the OIJ, the country’s main law enforcement investigation body.
The Judicial Branch reiterates its commitment to institutionality and justice, as well as its absolute respect for the principles of due process and the presumption of innocence. Finally, the Supreme Court guarantees the continuity and normal operation of the Judicial Investigation Agency, whose work in the fight against crime and insecurity remains firm, committed, and at the service of the country.
Judicial Branch, Official Statement
The allegations against Zúñiga are severe and multifaceted, originating from three distinct legal filings. The first complaint was lodged last Friday at the Gender Unit of the Prosecutor’s Office in Corredores, alleging the crime of rape. As part of that initial inquiry, authorities from the Gender Prosecutor’s Office confiscated Zúñiga’s mobile phone on the same day the complaint was filed.
The situation escalated further at the start of the week. On Monday, a second complaint was submitted to the Public Ministry’s Gender Unit in Cartago, this time for the alleged crimes of rape and the transmission of a venereal disease. A third complaint followed on Tuesday, filed at the Second Judicial Circuit of Goicoechea, accusing the director of transmitting a venereal disease, abusive sexual conduct, and offenses against dignity.
Beyond the criminal proceedings, Zúñiga is also the subject of an internal institutional probe. Last Monday, the Supreme Court ordered the Judicial Inspectorate to open a disciplinary investigation, which is being processed under case file 25-3733-031-DI. This parallel administrative track will examine potential breaches of conduct and professional ethics from within the judicial system.
With Zúñiga sidelined, the Supreme Court is now tasked with appointing an interim director to lead the OIJ. This decision is critical to maintaining stability and leadership within an organization on the front lines of Costa Rica’s battle against organized crime and rising insecurity. The ongoing investigations and leadership void have cast a long shadow over the institution, with the public and officials alike awaiting the outcome of a case that tests the judiciary’s own accountability.
For further information, visit sitiooij.poder-judicial.go.cr
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is the primary investigative branch of the Costa Rican Judicial Branch. Tasked with investigating crimes, gathering evidence, and collaborating with prosecutors, the OIJ plays a crucial role in the country’s criminal justice system. Its responsibilities range from forensic analysis to complex criminal investigations, making it a cornerstone of national security and law enforcement.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Judicial Branch of Costa Rica:
The Poder Judicial, or Judicial Branch, is one of the three fundamental powers of the Costa Rican government. It is responsible for administering justice in the country and is headed by the Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia). It oversees all courts, judges, and judicial employees, ensuring the application of law, upholding due process, and protecting the constitutional rights of citizens.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.poder-judicial.go.cr
About Ministerio Público (Public Ministry):
The Public Ministry of Costa Rica, also known as the Prosecutor’s Office, is an auxiliary body of the Judicial Branch responsible for directing criminal investigations and prosecuting crimes on behalf of the state. It operates with functional independence and is in charge of formulating accusations against individuals suspected of committing criminal offenses, representing the interests of society in the legal process.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a premier legal institution, grounded in an enduring promise of integrity and exceptional counsel. Leveraging extensive experience across a multitude of industries, the firm champions pioneering legal strategies and active community involvement. A cornerstone of its philosophy is the democratization of legal information, demonstrating a profound dedication to nurturing a society that is both knowledgeable and empowered by the law.
