The suspension of Randall Zúñiga, director of Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency, could be extended for three more months after Judicial Inspection asked the Supreme Court to keep him away from the post while disciplinary proceedings continue. Corte Plena is expected to review the request on Monday, May 18, unless an extraordinary session is called earlier.
Zúñiga has been suspended since October 29, 2025. The measure was first imposed for 15 working days, then extended for three months on November 17, and later renewed again in February. The current suspension expires Monday, May 18. If the new request is approved, the extension would begin May 19 and run into August.
The case has kept one of Costa Rica’s most important law enforcement institutions under interim leadership at a time when public security is at the center of the national agenda. The OIJ is the judicial police agency responsible for investigating suspected crimes, gathering evidence, and operating the country’s criminal investigation, forensic science, and legal medicine units.
The disciplinary proceeding is tied to allegations involving alleged sexual offenses and possible misconduct related to Zúñiga’s duties. Judicial Inspection has argued that more time is needed because additional evidence procedures and private hearings remain pending.
The proceeding is identified as disciplinary file 25-3753-031-DI. Judicial authorities also confirmed that a second disciplinary file, 25-4302-031-DI, was sent to Corte Plena after the instruction phase concluded. That second file also names Zúñiga as a person under investigation for alleged neglect of duties tied to his position.
While Zúñiga’s legal situation is reviewed, Michael Soto has remained in charge of the OIJ on an interim basis. The extended absence leaves the agency without its permanent director as the new administration of President Laura Fernández pushes a hard-line security agenda and promises reforms to the judiciary and public security laws.
The timing adds political weight to the case. Fernández took office May 8 pledging a tougher response to organized crime and drug trafficking, while also calling for changes to security laws and the justice system. Her government has made crime one of its first priorities, increasing attention on the agencies responsible for criminal investigations.
For now, the next step rests with Corte Plena. If magistrates approve the request, Zúñiga will remain suspended through the next phase of the disciplinary process. If they reject it, the court will have to decide what happens to the leadership of the OIJ while the investigations continue.
