For years, concerns centered on the theft of older vehicles for resale as spare parts. Criminal groups now target newer models more often. They disguise the vehicles and use them in various illegal activities. Joaquín Sánchez, head of the Vehicle Theft Section, explained the details. These crimes involve entire criminal organizations. Participation covers every level from the theft to the final monetization.
Sánchez said that although scrapping cars for parts resale continues, its importance has declined. Greater availability and easier acquisition of newer vehicles have contributed to this change. The new targets link mainly to two types of crime. In one, thieves steal a vehicle to replace one that does not meet legal or mechanical requirements.
These may be damaged or totaled cars. Criminals transfer the documents to vehicles with better bodywork so they appear legally valid. They also copy license plates and chassis numbers from legitimate vehicles and assign them to similar models. Several vehicles can circulate with apparently identical legal credentials at the same time.
These practices generate significant returns for the groups. Sánchez said a duplicate registration can cost around 4 million colones. The vehicles may later sell for as much as 12 million colones. Stolen vehicles frequently serve as instruments in other crimes. Sánchez said, “We can classify the commission of other crimes within the scope of vehicle theft, in the sense that the stolen vehicle is used to commit assaults, homicides, drug trafficking, or other criminal activities.”
OIJ investigations show most organizations base themselves in the Central Valley. Their operations extend throughout the country. The districts with the highest incidence are Limón Centro, Hatillo in San José, San José in Alajuela, Alajuela Centro, Guácima in Alajuela, Pavas in San José, Carrandí in Matina, San Sebastián in San José, La Garita in Alajuela, and San Antonio in Alajuela.
Criminals continue to take advantage of a combination of human negligence and, in some cases, violence. In 2025, the OIJ received 4,751 reports of vehicle theft. As of just a couple weeks ago, the number stood at 513 cases.
