Q COSTA RICA — The number of complaints about predatory lending “gota a gota” (loan sharking) practices in Costa Rica increased by 21% between January and July 2026, compared to the same period in 2025.
According to information from the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), the judicial agency that handles the complaints, this type of loan is often used by people who cannot access the formal financial system.
Authorities warn that, in many cases, these loans are associated with organized crime, which can lead to threats and attacks.
Investigator José Rojas Valerio, assigned to the Miscellaneous Crimes Section of the OIJ, said that 95% of cases end in aggression against debtors.
The official noted that debt collectors generally use violent methods if payments are not made.
Regarding the geographical distribution of complaints, the highest concentration is reported in San José. However, the researcher explained that this is mainly due to the province’s population size, without any specific condition making it more vulnerable than others.
Provinces such as Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago have also experienced increases in these types of reports.
The OIJ statistics show increases in February, March, and June, followed by a decrease in July. Despite this specific drop, the overall trend observed by authorities is upward.
Valerio added that many of those who resort to predatory lending practices are people who work in the informal sector or have a level of debt that prevents them from obtaining new bank loans.
According to the official, bank procedures are often more complex, and applications are sometimes rejected. This combination of factors leads some people to seek quick alternatives, even though they then face conditions imposed by the lenders.
The loan amounts requested range from ¢50,000 colones (US$110) to several million colones.
According to Valerio, the interest rates applied range from 20% to 100%, and the lenders determine both the repayment terms and the payment method.
The use of social media has become increasingly important in promoting these loans. According to reports, lenders use these channels not only to advertise, but also to gather information on potential borrowers.
The researcher warned that many people keep their profiles public, which facilitates the collection of images and personal data that, in case of default, can be used in threatening or coercive messages.
The debtors’ families can also be affected, as lenders may contact or harass family members to collect the debt. As a preventative measure, it is recommended to limit access to social media profiles and be cautious with the information posted.
Another common promotional method is through flyers posted on posts. Additionally, some people access these loans through referrals from third parties.
Connection to Criminal Structures and the Origin of Funds
Authorities have linked these types of loans to structures that seek to legitimize (launder) funds derived from drug trafficking. Among the groups identified are those led by Alejandro Arias Monge, alias “Diablo,” and Jonathan Pérez Méndez, alias “Tan.”
According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, in the organization associated with “Diablo,” a man surnamed Quirós acted as the manager of the loan portfolio.
Regarding these connections, investigator Valerio recommended considering the risks involved in resorting to this type of financing and the fact that it can involve debtors in networks associated with illicit activities.
Authorities reiterate the importance of assessing the conditions and risks before accessing any type of informal credit, especially those that may be linked to pressure schemes or criminal networks.