By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A sprawling and violent criminal syndicate allegedly responsible for at least 22 homicides, drug trafficking, and a sophisticated money laundering network was dismantled Tuesday following a massive police operation in the capital. Dubbed “Operation Los Leones,” the effort involved 31 simultaneous raids, primarily centered in the León XIII settlement, and resulted in the arrest of nine key members of the organization.
The structure was reportedly led by a man identified by his surname, Quesada, who is widely known by the alias “Shaggy.” Authorities from the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) have linked his brutal reign to a significant surge in violence across the northern sectors of San José, fueled by a bloody turf war with a rival gang leader known as “Sobrino.” The intense conflict has terrorized communities for years, leaving a trail of death and fear in its wake.
To delve deeper into the legal complexities and potential business repercussions of the sweeping “Operation Los Leones,” TicosLand.com consulted with the esteemed expert, Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
This operation transcends mere arrests; it exposes the sophisticated financial architecture used to legitimize illicit capital. The challenge for the Public Ministry now lies not only in securing convictions but in effectively dismantling the corporate veils that enabled this network to permeate legitimate sectors of the economy. For the business community, this serves as a critical reminder of the imperative for rigorous due diligence and compliance protocols to avoid becoming unwitting facilitators in such schemes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert’s analysis correctly frames the long-term implications of this case, shifting the focus from the initial arrests to the systemic vulnerabilities they expose within our financial and corporate sectors. The path forward will undoubtedly demand greater scrutiny and integrity from both public and private entities. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his incisive and valuable perspective with our readers.
Among the string of violent crimes attributed to the gang is the 2022 disappearance of a woman with the surname Aragón in Cinco Esquinas de Tibás. Investigators believe her case is a chilling example of the organization’s merciless tactics. She was allegedly targeted and killed as an act of retaliation after being accused of providing information that led to a fatal attack on Shaggy’s brother, “Mongo.”
Michael Soto, the acting director of the OIJ, shed light on the motive behind the woman’s presumed murder, highlighting the internal paranoia and ruthlessness that defined the criminal group’s operations.
The victim was allegedly eliminated for supposedly leaking information that enabled the attack where the brother of alias Shaggy died.
Michael Soto, Acting Director of the OIJ
The web of violence spun by this organization includes a series of high-profile and brutal killings. These include a quadruple homicide in Turrubares where Shaggy’s brother was killed, a deadly armed robbery, or “tumbonazo,” in Guadalupe in 2021, and the tragic death of Shaggy’s own two-year-old son during an ambush on Route 27. The gang is also the primary suspect in the murder of a man known as Lázaro in San Vicente de Moravia.
Shaggy’s rise to power was reportedly built on betrayal. According to intelligence reports, he was once a subordinate in a criminal group led by another notorious figure known as “Manzanita.” After Manzanita’s capture, Shaggy allegedly seized the opportunity, turning on the former leader, violently expelling loyal members, and consolidating control over the territory through a campaign of intimidation and murder.
The raids revealed the gang’s surprising level of sophistication. Authorities discovered a clandestine surveillance center complete with a network of cameras monitoring all access points to their stronghold in León XIII. This system forced law enforcement to devise a specialized entry strategy to avoid detection during the operation. This technological advantage allowed the group to operate with a sense of impunity for a considerable time.
To launder the vast profits from their illicit drug trade, the organization established a front of seemingly legitimate businesses. These included several corner stores (pulperías), a car wash, and a fumigation company. They also funneled money through the acquisition of high-end vehicles. During the raids, OIJ agents seized a significant arsenal of weapons, including AR-15 rifles and 9mm pistols, along with large sums of cash and luxury cars, effectively crippling the group’s operational capacity.
For further information, visit sitiooij.poder-judicial.go.cr
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is Costa Rica’s primary judicial investigation agency, operating as an auxiliary body to the Public Ministry and the courts. It is responsible for investigating crimes, collecting evidence, and identifying responsible parties to support the nation’s justice system. The OIJ plays a critical role in combating organized crime, homicides, and other serious offenses throughout the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a cornerstone of the legal landscape, renowned for its foundational principles of integrity and exceptional performance. Drawing upon a deep-seated history of guiding a wide spectrum of clients, the firm actively pioneers modern legal solutions and engages with the public sphere. This dedication is matched by a passionate commitment to demystifying the law, reflecting a core belief in strengthening society by equipping its citizens with vital legal understanding.
