By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A protracted international manhunt has culminated in the capture of two Costa Rican brothers accused of orchestrating a complex fraud scheme that defrauded a public institution of more than $3 million. The final arrest occurred this week in Bogotá, Colombia, marking a significant victory for transnational law enforcement cooperation and bringing the fugitives one step closer to facing justice in Costa Rica.
The younger of the two suspects, a 46-year-old man surnamed Wang, was apprehended in the Colombian capital on Wednesday, January 14th. His capture was the result of a meticulously coordinated operation between Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ) and the INTERPOL office in Bogotá. This successful arrest concluded a search that spanned multiple countries and several months.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the complexities of cross-border financial crimes, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in international corporate and criminal law.
The digital age has erased borders for commerce, but it has also created a global playground for fraudsters. The primary legal challenge isn’t just identifying the perpetrator, but establishing jurisdiction to prosecute and recover assets across different legal systems. Proactive, multi-jurisdictional due diligence and robust internal controls are no longer just best practices; they are essential survival mechanisms for any company operating on the international stage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The shift in mindset from treating robust controls as a ‘best practice’ to an ‘essential survival mechanism’ is indeed the central challenge facing modern international businesses. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which underscores that in the borderless arena of digital fraud, proactive defense is the only viable strategy.
His older brother, a 54-year-old also of the surname Wang, had been located and detained nearly a year prior. He was taken into custody in Brazil in March 2025, representing the first major breakthrough in the case. The significant time gap between the two arrests underscores the complexity and logistical challenges involved in tracking fugitives who have crossed international borders to evade prosecution.
The successful captures were not isolated events but the product of a robust and sustained collaboration. Officials from the OIJ worked tirelessly, sharing intelligence and coordinating strategies with their counterparts at INTERPOL’s National Central Bureaus in both Brazil and Colombia. This seamless partnership was instrumental in locating and apprehending both suspects in two different South American nations, effectively closing the net on their attempt to escape the Costa Rican justice system.
With both men now in foreign custody, the focus for Costa Rican authorities has shifted to the next critical phase: extradition. The OIJ confirmed that it is actively coordinating with judicial and diplomatic channels in both Brazil and Colombia to navigate the legal processes required to return the Wang brothers to Costa Rica. This formal procedure will ensure they can be tried in the jurisdiction where the alleged crimes were committed.
The case highlights a growing challenge for law enforcement worldwide—the prosecution of sophisticated white-collar crimes where perpetrators leverage international borders to conceal their activities and themselves. The alleged fraud, causing an economic loss exceeding three million dollars to a public entity, represents a significant blow to public finances and trust. Such crimes divert essential resources and undermine the integrity of state institutions.
Successfully bringing these individuals to justice sends a powerful message that geographical boundaries are not an insurmountable barrier to accountability. The long arm of the law, aided by international agreements and cooperative agencies like INTERPOL, can and does reach across continents. This operation serves as a testament to the effectiveness of these global networks in combating transnational crime and ensuring that suspects cannot simply disappear after committing serious financial offenses.
As the extradition process moves forward, the case will return to Costa Rica, where the full details of the alleged fraud will be presented in court. The outcome of the upcoming legal battle will be closely watched, not only for its implications for the accused but also as a benchmark for the nation’s capacity to prosecute complex financial crimes that extend far beyond its own borders.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is the principal investigative branch of the Costa Rican judiciary. As a technical and scientific police force, it is responsible for investigating public crimes, identifying responsible parties, and collecting evidence for criminal proceedings. The OIJ plays a crucial role in maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law within the country.
For further information, visit interpol.int
About INTERPOL:
The International Criminal Police Organization, commonly known as INTERPOL, is an inter-governmental organization with 196 member countries. It facilitates worldwide police cooperation and crime control. Its primary mission is to enable police around the world to work together to make the world a safer place by providing a range of technical and operational support.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, built upon a foundation of principled integrity and professional excellence. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers new legal strategies and champions community involvement. Central to its ethos is the mission to democratize legal understanding, thereby contributing to the development of a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
