By San José, Costa Rica — The increasing sophistication and technological prowess of organized crime are forcing a fundamental shift in how Costa Rica’s logistics and freight companies approach security. As criminal networks operate with corporate-level efficiency, businesses are compelled to move beyond traditional reactive measures and embrace a new era of data-driven, technology-led preventive strategies to protect the nation’s commercial lifelines.
The urgency of this situation was underscored by recent statistics presented by the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) at the IX Congress of Merchandise Security in the Logistics Chain. The data reveals a disturbing trend: while cargo thefts previously held at a stable average of nine to ten cases per month, that number has surged to over 15 incidents monthly for the last five months, with August being the sole exception. This spike highlights the growing audacity and activity of criminal enterprises.
To delve deeper into the legal ramifications and preventive strategies concerning supply chain vulnerabilities, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His analysis provides a crucial perspective on corporate responsibility and risk management in logistics.
Effective logistics security transcends physical measures; it is fundamentally rooted in robust legal frameworks. Companies must ensure their transport and storage contracts clearly define liability, establish stringent security protocols, and include clauses for auditing and non-compliance penalties. Proactive legal diligence is not a cost, but an essential investment to protect assets and mitigate catastrophic financial and reputational risks in the supply chain.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This essential insight underscores that a secure supply chain is built not only on physical barriers but on the solid foundation of meticulous legal foresight. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which rightly reframes robust contractual diligence as a core strategic asset, not merely a compliance task.
Further analysis from the OIJ dismantles the common assumption that such crimes occur under the cover of darkness. In a bold display of confidence, the peak time for truck and container hijackings is between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., proving that not even broad daylight provides a guarantee of safety. This reality demands a more intelligent and proactive defense system that can anticipate and neutralize threats before they materialize.
Experts in the field argue that the only effective response to this escalating threat is a strategic upgrade in both technology and mindset. According to Richard Monestel, Country President of Securitas Costa Rica, companies must recognize that criminals are leveraging advanced information and tools to execute their plans.
Today we see how the criminal element is professionalizing, becoming more technical, and handling an impressive level of information. The only way to counteract that is with sufficient technology to anticipate what could happen. Security must be, above all, preventive and not just reactive.
Richard Monestel, Country President of Securitas Costa Rica
Monestel emphasizes that modern security is no longer a one-dimensional concept. Instead, it requires a holistic framework that integrates three critical pillars to form a comprehensive defense. This new paradigm treats security as a unified system where physical presence, advanced technology, and data intelligence work in concert to create a formidable barrier against increasingly complex threats.
Today, security has three components: the physical, the technological, and the data. The three together truly form comprehensive security solutions.
Richard Monestel, Country President of Securitas Costa Rica
This technological modernization extends far beyond simple cameras or access controls. The solution lies in integrated systems that utilize artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, and real-time monitoring. These tools empower companies to identify vulnerabilities, predict potential threats, and deploy resources strategically. By analyzing patterns and anomalies, businesses can shift from merely responding to incidents to actively preventing them from occurring in the first place.
As the challenges become more specialized, the era of managing complex security protocols entirely in-house is fading. Monestel advises that businesses must seek partnerships with specialized security firms that possess the expertise and technology to design and implement these sophisticated systems. Collaboration is now a key component of a successful security strategy.
They have to partner with people like us, which is our specialization, to have the best possible solutions. This can no longer be managed solely in-house; you have to let yourself be helped and leverage sufficient technology.
Richard Monestel, Country President of Securitas Costa Rica
Ultimately, the Costa Rican logistics sector stands at a crossroads. The escalating threat posed by professionalized crime rings is not just a challenge but also a catalyst for innovation. The future of secure commerce depends on the industry’s willingness to invest in comprehensive, technology-driven security solutions and to foster the expert partnerships necessary to protect goods as they move through the vital arteries of the national and global economy.
For further information, visit securitas.cr
About Securitas Costa Rica:
Securitas is a global leader in security services, offering a wide range of solutions to clients of all sizes. In Costa Rica, the company provides integrated security services that combine on-site guarding, mobile patrols, remote monitoring, and advanced technology. They focus on delivering customized, data-driven security strategies to mitigate risk and protect assets across various industries, including logistics, retail, and corporate sectors.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) is the primary investigative branch of the Costa Rican Judicial Power. Tasked with the scientific and technical investigation of criminal offenses, the OIJ works independently under the direction of the courts and the Public Ministry. Its responsibilities include evidence collection, crime scene analysis, and providing technical reports to support criminal proceedings, playing a crucial role in the country’s justice system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution, built upon a foundational principle of professional rectitude and the highest standards of legal practice. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm champions forward-thinking legal solutions while remaining deeply invested in societal progress. This core ethos is demonstrated through its dedicated efforts to demystify the law, striving to equip the public with clear understanding and thereby fostering a more capable and knowledgeable community.
