A customs official at Costa Rica’s Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste, has been suspended for four months while prosecutors investigate an alleged extortion scheme targeting a foreign tourist.
The Criminal Court for Finance and Public Service ordered the precautionary measure Wednesday, according to a statement released Thursday by the Office of the Prosecutor for Integrity, Transparency, and Anti-Corruption (FAPTA).
Investigators say the case dates to May 26, when the official — identified by the last name ChavarrÃa — allegedly told a foreign traveler he owed a $200 tax before he could collect his luggage. Prosecutors contend the bags were in fact exempt from duties, as they did not exceed the limit set under Costa Rican customs regulations.
Evidence gathered by FAPTA indicates the tourist paid the amount after being led to believe the charge was mandatory. Authorities further allege that the official told the traveler to hand over the cash discreetly to avoid being recorded by airport security cameras.
The matter was subsequently reported to judicial authorities, who opened a case under file number 26-000020-1955-PE. Officials have not released further details about the tourist, nor have they said whether additional administrative sanctions or criminal charges may follow as the case advances through the courts.
FAPTA said the suspension is meant to keep the official from interfering with the inquiry while prosecutors continue collecting testimony and reviewing evidence tied to the alleged incident.
