Q COSTARICA — The Ministerio Publico (Public Prosecutor’s Office) confirmed that it is processing a criminal case against the director of the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) —Judicial Investigation Agency—, Randall Zúñiga, following a complaint filed on Friday, October 24, by a woman in the southern zone.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office reports that the incident happened in January 2025, in the Corredores area.
According to the official statement, the case is under file number 25-000359-1883-PE and is being handled by the Gender Unit of the Corredores Deputy Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigation is being conducted in coordination with the OIJ’s Specialized Section on Gender Violence, which has already carried out a series of procedures requested by the Prosecutor’s Office to gather evidence.
“At the request of the Prosecutor’s Office, this section has already carried out the necessary investigative procedures to gather relevant evidence for the prosecution of the criminal case, while additional investigations and forensic work are ongoing,” the Public Prosecutor’s Office reported.
The statement adds that, from the beginning, the victim has received interdisciplinary support from the Office for the Assistance and Protection of Victims of Crime, including a risk assessment and psychological support, in accordance with the protocols established by Law 8720 for the protection of victims of sexual crimes and gender-based violence.
Without special jurisdiction
The Public Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that Zúñiga does not enjoy any special protection or immunity due to his position within the Judiciary, so the investigation is being conducted under the ordinary procedure, with prosecutorial personnel specialized in gender matters.
The Prosecutor’s Office also emphasized that it works independently and objectively, and that its priority is to secure the necessary evidence to establish the “real truth” of the reported events.
Reaction from the Director
Shortly before the Prosecutor’s Office’s statement, Randall Zúñiga issued a public statement in which he categorically denied the accusations and confirmed that he will withdraw from any involvement or contact with the internal investigation.
“I categorically reject this statement. There is already an open investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and, under the principle of transparency, I will withdraw from any involvement or connection with this case,” Zúñiga stated.
Zúñiga said he stepped back from the case to keep things consistent institutionally, given that the OIJ, under his leadership, might play a supporting role in the investigation.
“Under the principle of transparency, I will withdraw from any involvement or connection with this investigation,” he stated.
Zúñiga also called for respect for the principle of the presumption of innocence, emphasizing that no person can be considered guilty without a final judicial process.
“There is a principle of the presumption of innocence, according to which no person, even if a complaint is filed against them, is guilty beforehand. Under this principle, I will await the results of the Public Prosecutor’s Office in order to exercise all necessary defenses on my behalf,” he stated.
Profile of a leader under public scrutiny
Zúñiga, 49, was ratified by the Full Court as director of the OIJ in August 2023, after serving for months as deputy director and interim director. His tenure has been characterized by an active presence in police operations and clashes with the Executive Branch, especially with President Rodrigo Chaves, due to budget cuts to the Judiciary.
On several occasions, Zúñiga has defended the institution’s independence and its right to sufficient resources for criminal investigations. In 2025, he responded directly to criticism from President Chaves, stating that the OIJ “does not work to the tune or rhythm of the politicians in power.”
The Public Ministry reiterated that the case remains under preliminary investigation, a stage in which additional investigations and forensic examinations are carried out to determine whether there are grounds for a possible charge.