Costa Rican law enforcement authorities are conducting a major judicial and police operation following the discovery of a suspected criminal plot to assassinate Michael Soto Rojas, interim director of the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ). The plot, linked to a broader criminal network involved in narcotics trafficking and money laundering, was revealed through coordinated actions by the OIJ and the Fiscalía Adjunta contra la Legitimación de Capitales (Office of the Prosecutor for Anti-Money Laundering).
The operation, carried out today, includes multiple raids in the Greater Metropolitan Area. Authorities targeted suspects tied to what they are calling Caso Herencia, a case focused on an alleged web of illicit activity extending back several years. According to prosecutors and investigative sources, the alleged conspiracy to kill Soto traces back to his time as Minister of Public Security during the 2018–2022 administration.
Authorities say he refused a series of bribe offers from members of the criminal group, and that the dispute later fed into the alleged plan after he became interim director of the OIJ. The judicial operation involved at least three simultaneous raids. One took place at a residence in an Escazú condominium where the primary suspects lived, and two others targeted commercial properties in central San José and Santa Ana.
Investigators are focusing on Berny Cambronero Arauz and his partner, Yalile Guevara Arguedas, described by authorities as leaders of the network. They are accused of coordinating the alleged murder plan and handling logistics, including possible efforts to hire hitmen, obtain weapons, and arrange safe houses.
Law enforcement officers also reportedly seized money at Juan Santamaría International Airport that authorities believe was intended to fund the operation. Prosecutors indicated that about $125,000 (roughly ₡63 million) was confiscated, though judicial documents described the figure as preliminary.
At the time of reporting, only one suspect had been confirmed detained, while authorities said the investigation and arrests were ongoing. Investigators believe the group linked to Cambronero and Guevara has been active since at least 2019. Authorities allege the network engaged in narcotics-related crimes and money laundering, with connections to well-known figures in Costa Rica’s criminal underworld.
Judicial records tie the group to the 2021 homicide of Esteban Sandí Miranda, known as Chino Sandí. Prosecutors say that case was followed by additional alleged plans for violent acts, including threats against Soto and another intended target identified only as Jake, the owner of a bar in San José.
Authorities say Cambronero and Guevara operated under the influence or direction of Carlos Vargas Marín, known as Salchichón, a figure with prior arrests and longstanding alleged ties to narcotrafficking and container theft. Investigators also allege the network used sophisticated money-laundering methods, including shell companies, purchases of real estate and luxury vehicles, and financial transactions designed to hide the origin of illicit proceeds.
Authorities continue to search for additional suspects and expect further arrests as the case develops. The OIJ and anti-money-laundering prosecutors say the investigation is aimed at disrupting organized crime and protecting judicial and public security officials from threats of violence.
