Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica has solidified its international standing as a benchmark for reputation in Latin America, according to the results of RepCore® Nations 2026, an analysis presented during the Encadenados 2026 business forum.

The study, conducted by Reputation Lab and the Inter-American Communication Agency, measured the perception of admiration, respect, and trust that countries inspire among the public in the world’s most industrialized economies.

According to the report, Costa Rica achieved a score of 52.3 points on a scale of 0 to 100, placing it 2.3 points above the average of the 60 largest economies analyzed globally.

Although the country is not formally included in this ranking, it was estimated that, if it were, it would be placed between Poland and Morocco, in 26th and 27th positions in the international classification.

The result was presented by Natalia Arenzana and Fernando Prado, consultants at Reputation Lab, during the forum “Costa Rica on the Global Stage: Reputation as a Competitive Advantage for Countries.”

According to the experts, national reputation is a strategic asset, as it directly influences the country’s ability to attract foreign investment, generate business, and strengthen the presence of Costa Rican brands and companies abroad.

“A nation’s reputation is a collective construction… it cannot be left to chance. It requires active and coordinated management,” Arenzana pointed out during the presentation.

The RepCore® Nations 2026 report highlights that Costa Rica scores above the average of the six largest economies in Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru) in 21 of the 22 attributes evaluated.

The only area in which it ranks below is sporting success, influenced by the international renown of sporting powerhouses like Argentina and Brazil.

Among the attributes in which Costa Rica excels are sustainability, quality of life, human well-being, attractive natural environment, environmental protection, combating climate change, security, respect for human rights, friendliness of its people, and leisure and cultural offerings. The country also obtained outstanding results in dimensions such as quality of life, ethics, and responsibility.

The data takes on special relevance in an international context where the average reputation of countries has deteriorated. The fifth edition of RepCore® Nations shows that the average score of the 60 largest economies fell by 0.86 points compared to the previous year. Of the countries included, 43 saw their reputation worsen, 14 improved, and only three remained stable, highlighting the challenging global environment.

During the event, Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER and President of the Inter-Institutional Country Brand Committee, emphasized that Costa Rica’s international reputation is associated with attributes that have real economic value, such as sustainability, ethics, and security. López noted that these elements influence investment decisions, business practices, and the attraction of international talent, opening opportunities to improve competitiveness and productive sophistication.

Marlene Fernández, a specialist from the Inter-American Communication Agency, highlighted the importance of actively managing national reputation. “Today, countries compete not only to attract tourists, but also investment, companies, and talent,” Fernández stated. According to historical data from Reputation Lab, a one-point improvement in the Reputation Score is linked, on average, to a 7.2% increase in tourism revenue and a 1% increase in foreign direct investment.

The analysis also identified areas of opportunity for Costa Rica, primarily in technological development, the international reach of its companies, and the promotion of its cultural heritage. These dimensions are considered key to continuing to translate the positive perception into greater global competitiveness.

The Encadenados 2026 forum, organized by Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (PROCOMER)—the non-state government agency responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to the country—served as the platform for presenting these findings and brought together business representatives, suppliers, buyers, and partner institutions, with the goal of strengthening business connections with international impact.

Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) reported that no Costa Ricans were injured or killed in the earthquakes in Venezuela.

The Cancillería explained that it activated its consular assistance mechanisms following the event. So far, it has assisted two Costa Ricans who were visiting the country; both are safe and were helped to return to Costa Rica as soon as possible.

In addition, the Cancillería is supporting other organizations, such as the Red Cross, to facilitate contact with people who have not yet been able to reach their families. It also reiterated President Laura Fernández’s instruction to send humanitarian aid and Costa Rican rescue teams to the disaster zone.

The Cancillería will maintain its communication channels in San José and Bogotá, Colombia.

Since 2020, Costa Rica has suspended its diplomatic relations with Venezuela by closing its embassy and withdrawing its staff, after Costa Rica refused to recognize Nicolás Maduro’s victory in the 2019 presidential elections.

It is providing consular assistance through its embassy in Colombia to assist more Costa Ricans in Venezuela. Telephone and email contact of the Consulate General in Colombia: phone +57 313 841 3850, email concr-co@rree.go.cr

For families in Costa Rica trying to reach or locate relatives affected by the disaster, local resources are available: The Cruz Roja (Red Cross) has activated its “Restablecimiento del Contacto entre Familiares (RCF)” program to locate missing citizens.

You can reach the RCF team via WhatsApp at +506 6060-8623 or email at rcf@cruzroja.or.cr (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

You can contact the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in San José at (506) 2359 5360, email: hespinoza@rree.go.cr.

Venezuela was shaken on Wednesday by a “seismic double,” a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck at 6:04 p.m. (Venezuela time), and another of 7.5 was recorded just 39 seconds apart, at 6:05 p.m., with greater intensity, on the country’s Caribbean coast, which caused at least 164 deaths and 971 injuries, according to the first official report.

Q COSTARICA — The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) — Judicial Investigation Agency, confirmed that the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) issued international alerts to locate and arrest Jeydi Smith De la O, wife of extradited drug trafficker Edwin López Vega, alias “Pecho de Rata”, and Chonta Mullins, a model and former beauty pageant contestant implicated in the Riverside case.

The two women are wanted by Costa Rican authorities for their alleged connection to the criminal organization that, according to the investigation, operated for several years from Limón, moving shipments of cocaine and marijuana both within and outside the country.

The international alert aims to ensure that any migratory movements of the suspects are detected by the police authorities of Interpol member countries, allowing for their location, arrest, and eventual extradition or transfer to Costa Rica to face the corresponding legal proceedings.

According to Michael Soto, acting director of the OIJ, the last known location of both women is Switzerland.

Authorities had planned to arrest them during the raids carried out in the early morning of June 24 as part of the massive Riverside operation; however, by that time, they were already outside the country.

“Considering that some kind of mobilization may occur, we have coordinated directly with Interpol to issue an alert that, should they move by any means, whether through airports or border crossings, they will be detained, and we will be informed so we can coordinate accordingly,” Soto explained.

According to immigration records analyzed by investigators, Jeydi Smith left Costa Rica on June 17, while Chonta Mullins left the country on March 23.

Smith, 29, married López Vega on February 17 of this year while the alleged drug trafficker was incarcerated at La Reforma prison awaiting extradition to the United States.

López Vega was finally handed over to U.S. authorities, along with Celso Gamboa, on March 20 to face charges related to international drug trafficking, the first Costa Ricans extradited to the United States.

The OIJ investigation places Smith as a trusted individual within the organization led by López Vega. Investigators believe she performed duties related to managing financial resources, handling assets, depositing money, and safeguarding funds allegedly derived from illicit activities.

Mullins, also 29 and known for her participation in pageants such as Miss Costa Rica and Miss Universe Costa Rica, is identified by authorities as an apparent front for the criminal organization. According to the investigation, she is allegedly responsible for managing and safeguarding high-value assets associated with the group.

An organization with assets valued at ¢10 billion colones

The Riverside case is considered one of the biggest recent blows against drug trafficking organizations in Costa Rica. According to the court file, the organization led by López Vega used maritime routes and river mouths in Cahuita (Limón) to bring in large shipments of cocaine and marijuana from South America.

Authorities maintain that the group had ties to the Colombian criminal organization known as “Los Costeños,” an alliance that allegedly facilitated the receipt of drugs for subsequent distribution within and outside the country.

During the operations, the OIJ seized 84 properties and 106 vehicles linked to the criminal organization. Preliminary estimates indicate that the organization amassed assets close to ₡10 billion (US$22 million).

Among the seized properties are six hotels, a restaurant, a bullring, four tourist rental properties managed through digital platforms, heavy machinery, a gym, a five-a-side soccer field, and dozens of high-end vehicles.

Authorities also seized firearms, cash, drugs, boats, jewelry, cell phones, ammunition, and documents relevant to the investigation. The seizure of approximately 200 head of cattle linked to the group is also expected.

The investigation began in July 2024 for alleged crimes of national and international drug trafficking, money laundering, and the apparent kidnapping of an individual in January 2025, whose whereabouts remain unknown.

According to the most recent official report, the OIJ has arrested 68 people in connection with the Riverside case, including three sons of López Vega, while efforts continue to locate other suspects who remain at large.

Q COSTARICA — After asserting that he would never pay a company to conduct a polygraph test, Attorney General Carlo Díaz hinted at his distrust of the tests the government has administered to members of the Fuerza Élite (Elite Force) group, which culminated in the dismissal of seven high-ranking police officials.

The Attorney General stated that, in his case, he would only trust a test conducted by the DEA or the FBI in the United States.

The Attorney General addressed the issue before the members of the Comisión de Seguridad y Narcotráfico (Security and Drug Trafficking Legislative Committee), where he confirmed his preference to remain uninvolved with President Fernández’s Elite Force.

“I have nothing to hide, I have nothing to fear, and what I want is for it to be done under the same conditions, not by paying a company. I would never pay a company to manipulate evidence and then have me implicated.

“I have nothing to question. I’ve been under attack for four years, and I know they’ve searched high and low and done everything possible to tarnish my image, and they continue to do so.

“When she (Laura Fernández), the ministers, and everyone involved submit to a standardized test, I will take it. I have no problem with that. When we all submit to a test administered by a reputable organization like the DEA or the FBI, I will,” Díaz stated, after legislator Fernando Obaldía, of the ruling party, Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), questioned him about it.

“Are you afraid of the results of that polygraph test, or is it simply because you do not want to take it? Is it out of pride, or for some other reason?” the Chavista legislator asked.

Díaz emphasized to the Commission that he has been a prosecutor for 28 years and asserted that he has never received a bribe nor had any ties to drug trafficking or organized crime.

“I have been under attack for (the last) four years, and I know they have sought me out, they have dug deep, they have done everything possible to see how they can tarnish my image, and they continue to do so. Some things are simply vanity, which doesn’t concern me in the slightest, and other things that, as I said, I am willing to submit to at any time; not with a private company, I won’t do it that way,” the Attorney General told the members of the Commission.

The Attorney General questioned the government’s decision to use a private company for polygraph testing, arguing that it raises concerns about the possibility of the tests being manipulated to favor one interest or another.

In a similar vein, the interim director of the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), Michael Soto, took the test privately and presented the results to the government to attend these Elite Force meetings.

Since the election campaign, Fernández has argued that this is a filter to guarantee that organized crime does not infiltrate the upper echelons of government and that it also ensures that high-ranking officials are honest in matters such as corruption and drug trafficking.

Q COSTARICA —  In a recent diplomatic exchange, Russia has officially denied Costa Rica’s allegations concerning the presence of Russian military forces in Nicaragua.

The Russian embassy clarified that while there are military advisors and specialists in Nicaragua, this cooperation is not directed against any third parties.

Costa Rica had raised concerns about the presence of Russian military personnel in Nicaragua, expressing worries about regional security implications. The Costa Rican Foreign Minister, Manuel Tovar, has been vocal about closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for transparency and respect for sovereignty in the region.

Costa Rica’s government also reiterated its support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict involving Russia.

The Russian embassy’s statement highlighted that the military cooperation with Nicaragua involves advisors and specialists but rejected any claims that such cooperation constitutes a threat or is aimed at other countries. This statement comes amid broader geopolitical tensions and regional unease about foreign military involvement.

A Russian military contingent can be invited to Nicaraguan territory on the same legal basis as military contingents from the United States, Mexico, Cuba, and Central American countries, a fact well known to the Costa Rican side.

Nicaragua and Russia have longstanding military ties. Russia supplies significant military equipment and training to Nicaragua, a relationship that dates back years and includes a renewed military cooperation pact. Despite this, Russia maintains that its presence is purely advisory and supportive, not aggressive or hostile.

The issue draws attention to the delicate balance of power and alliances in Central America, where Costa Rica remains cautious about foreign military forces operating close to its borders.

The exchange comes after Costa Rica hardened its diplomatic stance toward Nicaragua.

At the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly, Tovar also condemned the assassination of retired Nicaraguan Major Roberto Samcam on Costa Rican soil and lamented the death of Miskito indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera.

The foreign minister further stated that the situation in Nicaragua is generating concern due to the erosion of democracy, reports of arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, restrictions on fundamental freedoms, and the persecution of religious leaders and faith communities.

Q COSTARICA — The Constitutional Court of Costa Rica, commonly known as Sala IV, paused the deportation of a foreign national arrested earlier this week for suspected links to the Hamas terrorist organization after agreeing to hear a habeas corpus petition.

The man, surnamed Abuawad, is of Palestinian origin and is from the West Bank region of Palestine.

Janekeith Durán, a human rights advocate, submitted the habeas corpus petition.Open as D

“In a democracy, respect for human rights does not depend on a person’s nationality, ethnic origin, religion, or the severity of the accusations against them. It is precisely in the most sensitive and controversial cases that the rule of law must demonstrate its strength and its commitment to constitutional principles,” Durán said.

The activist stated that he filed the petition because, at the time of the arrest, there was limited public information regarding the detainee’s identity, the specific legal basis for the measures taken, the conditions of custody, and the procedural guarantees being afforded.

Habeas corpus is a fundamental legal procedure that protects individuals against arbitrary and illegal detentions, compelling authorities to present the detainee before a judge immediately to verify the legality of the detention.

The expression comes from Latin. Its purpose is to have a judge quickly review whether a person is being detained lawfully.

How does it work?

If a person is arrested or held unlawfully, they—or someone acting for them—can file a writ of habeas corpus.

When this happens, a judge will:

• Make sure the detained person is brought to court.
• Review the reasons behind the detention.
• Decide if the detention is lawful.

If the detention isn’t legal, the judge will order the person’s immediate release.

Q COSTARICA — The Juzgado Especializado de Cobro del Segundo Circuito Judicial de Goicoechea (Specialized Collection Court of the Second Judicial Circuit of Goicoechea) ordered the seizure of the allowances received by legislator José Miguel Villalobos Umaña, of the ruling party, the Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), as part of a legal process promoted by the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) to recover a debt that exceeds ¢300 million Colones ( more than US$660,000 dollars).

The Caja confirmed that the monthly deduction amounts to ¢611,393.77 (US$1,357) and that the measure has been in effect since May 15, 2026.

The legislator’s debt to the Caja corresponds to two main obligations registered as of November 20, 2025: ¢149.5 million (US$330,000) for unpaid contributions as an employer and ¢162.7 million (US$354,000) as a self-employed worker. In total, the amount claimed by the CCSS totals ¢312 million, according to an Internal Audit report.

The garnishment of his wages was possible after the specialized court issued a garnishment order, which constituted a turning point in a case that for years faced obstacles due to the inability to locate the lawyer and the absence of real estate registered in his name. The institution reported difficulties in notifying Villalobos and in finding attachable properties, which even led to considering the debt as difficult to recover.

Until recently, the Caja reported difficulties recovering the funds due to problems locating the lawyer and the lack of a real estate registered in his name that would allow them to proceed with the legal proceedings.

Currently, Villalobos holds a seat in the Legislative Assembly and therefore receives a salary that could be subject to garnishment.

On his biography posted by the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE), Villalobos was a member of the Board of Directors of the Caja, representative of the cooperative sector, 1998-200, advisor to the President for the 1998-2002 period, Minister of Justice in 2002.

He is a litigation attorney specializing in various areas, particularly criminal and criminal procedure law, and has acted as a defense attorney for former president Rodrigo Chaves.

Q COSTARICA — Police authorities arrested a Palestinian man on Monday morning, Jun 22, in Desamparados de Alajuela, who is believed to have ties to Hamas, an organization considered a terrorist by Israel, the United States, the European Union, and other countries.

The arrest occurred during a roadside police checkpoint operation involving the Immigration Police, Traffic Police, the Directorate of Intelligence and National Security (DIS), and the OIJ’s Unidad Especial de Intervención (UEI)—Special Intervention Unit.

The detainee, identified only by the surname Abuawad, entered Costa Rica last month. According to official information, the man was not subject to any international alerts at the time of his entry into the country.

The government indicated that the investigation carried out by the DIS, as well as the exchange of information between institutions, allowed them to locate and arrest this individual.

“The DIS immediately forwarded the intelligence report to Immigration, which allowed for his location and the immediate execution of immigration measures,” said DIS Director Pablo Martínez Bertozzi.

Following his arrest, Abuawad was transferred to the Central Region Detention Center, located in Los Lagos de Heredia, where he will remain in custody while Immigration initiates the deportation process.

Read more: Manuel Tovar denounces before the OAS the “presence of Russian troops” and “groups like Hamas and Hezbollah” in Nicaragua

Authorities did not specify the type of connection they attribute to the detainee with Hamas, nor did they clarify whether it is an operational, financial, logistical, propaganda, or other type of relationship. They also did not disclose to which country he will be deported.

President Laura Fernández Delgado stated that she instructed the DIS director to keep the man in custody, in coordination with the Immigration Police, “under the highest security standards” while the deportation is carried out.

Martínez Bertozzi maintained that the DIS has the tools to identify and anticipate threats to national security.

I’m sending them a very clear message: we know how they operate and we’re closely monitoring their movements. Everything leaves a trace, and the DIS knows how to find it.”

Hamas is recognized as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, the European Union, and other relevant actors in the international community due to its history of attacks and bombings in the Middle East.

The presence of an individual with alleged ties to this group prompted an immediate response from Costa Rican authorities, who acted in concert to prevent risks to national security.

Q COSTARICA — A day after President Laura Fernández announced the arrest on Costa Rican soil of a man linked to the Hamas terrorist group, Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar denounced concerning developments in Nicaragua before the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS).

“Costa Rica observes with enormous concern the persistent and growing presence in Nicaragua of Russian military forces and terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Just yesterday, several individuals belonging to or linked to Hamas were arrested by police forces in my country,” the Foreign Minister said.

The head of national diplomacy also expressed his concern about the state of democracy in the neighboring country, referring to the repression of the opposition.