No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsCrimeCosta Rican Congress Approves Bill to Target Illicit Wealth Accumulation

Costa Rican Congress Approves Bill to Target Illicit Wealth Accumulation

The Costa Rican Congress has approved, in its first debate, a significant bill aimed at prosecuting illicit enrichment, commonly referred to as “emerging capitals.”

Introduced by President Carlos Alvarado’s administration, the bill would empower the Public Prosecutor’s Office to freeze assets when an increase in wealth without a clear lawful source is detected.

The legislation does not specify a threshold amount for what constitutes an unjustified increase in assets, giving authorities discretionary power. Without a minimum amount defined, criminals might evade the law by dispersing resources among various individuals, potentially exploiting this loophole.

This proposal, which has received broad approval, is part of the legislative priorities supported by both President Rodrigo Chaves and the Judiciary. They argue that the bill will facilitate the prosecution of organized crime and disrupt its activities.

However, the bill has faced opposition from some political parties, particularly the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), which views it as dangerous. The PLP criticizes the bill for shifting the burden of proof onto the accused, arguing that it could lead to unjust outcomes.

“The bill allows the Public Prosecutor’s Office to freeze assets without a prior complaint against the suspected individual. Instead of the authorities proving the assets’ unlawful origin, the accused must demonstrate their lawful origin,” explained Feinzaig, a PLP representative.

Feinzaig expressed concerns that in a country with high informality like Costa Rica, such provisions could unfairly target individuals with increases in assets, such as someone purchasing a large item like a 70-inch flat-screen TV. This could pose significant risks to both citizens and entrepreneurs.

As further explained by the congressional representative, the bill permits the Public Prosecutor’s Office to act without a filed complaint, aiming to prevent suspected criminals from concealing their assets.

“If you buy a vehicle and are asked to prove its legal origin while being in the informal sector, you could face serious challenges,” cautioned the congressman.

Trending Now

Venezuela Tensions Rise After U.S. Strike on Alleged Narco Vessel

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth announced Friday a new strike in the Caribbean off Venezuela’s coast against an alleged narco-boat, leaving 4 dead. “Following President...

Costa Rica Traffic Accidents Drive Up Insurance Premiums

Costa Rica's roads have turned into a deadly trap, with traffic accidents claiming more lives and causing more injuries than ever before. On Friday,...

Costa Rica Bill Targets Pretrial Detention for Organized Crime Cases

Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly is moving forward with a bill that aims to strengthen the rules around pretrial detention in response to growing threats...

Heavy Rains in Costa Rica Trigger Landslides and Floods

Costa Rica faces tough conditions lately from ongoing heavy rains that have sparked deadly landslides and major flooding over the last few days. In...

El Salvador Bans Inclusive Language in Public Schools

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele has taken another step to reshape the country's education system. On Thursday, he declared a complete ban on what...

Emmy-winning Salvadoran Journalist Deported from US

Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara said Friday he was deported from the United States for reporting on the unjust arrests of migrants under President Donald...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica