Costa Rican authorities have detained 36 people associated with a criminal gang engaged in money laundering using cryptocurrencies. This operation, which began two and a half years ago, exposed a network that included government officials and led to extensive raids.
According to AM Costa Rica, the police conducted a judicial operation named "Mutterland" targeting criminals involved in bus line fraud, real estate fraud, and money laundering, yielding millions of dollars in illegal gains.
Involvement of Law Enforcement Officials:
The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) reported that the gang comprised lawyers, judges, traffic police, and public transport ministry officials. Among them were officials from the public ministry and two Spanish leaders named Leon and Gomez, aged 41 and 42, respectively.
OIJ Director Randall Zúñiga described the gang as a “well-consolidated criminal organization” that aimed to steal property from locals and then legitimize it in third-party transactions.
Cryptocurrency Money Laundering:
As reported by The Tico Times, the investigation revealed that the gang laundered money from stolen property through the purchase of cryptocurrencies. In one instance, the gang moved $13 million worth of Bitcoin in a single transaction.
The gang also employed cryptocurrency experts for consultancy services. Additionally, they operated a bus line, using traffic police to eliminate competition by issuing fake fines.
2021 Investigation Trigger:
The probe began in 2021 when five traffic officers involved with the gang imposed false fines on bus drivers and companies in San Jose. They also issued "fake bus tickets for public transportation on the Caldera Beach route in Puntarenas province."
Ongoing Raids and Arrests:
As the investigation progressed, about 500 OIJ agents carried out approximately 47 raids nationwide. Authorities anticipate more arrests as further raids are planned.
The OIJ is also investigating the same gang for "potential property fraud." The gang allegedly identified large properties owned by foreign residents and created fake transfer documents for these properties. They would then sell the land, allowing new owners to legitimize the investment. The investigation indicates that at least 300 large properties were stolen in this manner. The gang also laundered money by purchasing luxury vehicles and jewelry. Raids led to the confiscation of at least 38 vehicles, 13 buses, and an AR-15 rifle.
