Q COSTA RICA — Allegations of fraud, coercion, sexual offenses, and potential irregularities regarding the sale of lots and homes triggered an investigation into Earthwaking Village, an eco-village located in Platanillo de Pérez Zeledón.
On Tuesday, October 6, the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) arrested two American men and two American women—identified as members of the site’s administration—in connection with a case involving an alleged US$600,000 fraud against foreigners who had participated in a spiritual retreat.
The community markets itself on social media as a project centered on spirituality and a self-sufficient lifestyle. Complainants claim they were offered properties and homes within the initiative. One individual stated they arrived at the site in 2022 after communicating for nearly a year with a man named England, whom they identify as the group’s alleged leader.
According to that account, early meetings focused on the supposed “fall of Babylon”—a term participants used to refer to the United States. The group discussed the potential collapse of institutions and the financial system, proposing the need to prepare for such a scenario by establishing a self-sufficient community in Costa Rica.
The complainant stated that the internal dynamic shifted when England began presenting himself as “the chosen one” and identifying as “the hand of God.” According to her account, participants were required to follow instructions based on the claim that God was acting through the leader. These statements are part of the testimony regarding the group’s operations and the facts presented to the authorities.
A report published by CRHoy.com indicates that, citing the risk of a financial collapse, attendees were encouraged to withdraw money held in bank accounts. According to the complainant, these funds were to be handed over to the pastor for investment in a cryptocurrency that—they were told—had been ordained by God.
The initiative initially focused on concepts such as “killing the ego” and serving the Kingdom of God. Over time, according to the complainant, the idea that “everything belongs to God” took hold; this assertion was allegedly used to deflect demands from individuals expecting the handover of homes or properties for which they had already made payments.
The complainant stated that she decided to leave Earthwaking Village because she feared for her life. She also maintained that the community’s dynamics had caused psychological harm to other people who had arrived there interested in the spiritual program. Lawyer estimates losses exceeding US$3 million.
Attorney Javier Chaverri Ross, representing several individuals who consider themselves aggrieved parties, stated that the reported financial loss exceeds US$3 million—equivalent to approximately ¢1.3 billion colones. This estimate accounts for a larger number of cases than the alleged US$600,000 fraud linked to the arrests and encompasses other financial damages reported by his clients.
Chaverri described the events as a “very well-orchestrated manipulation.” Those in charge allegedly encouraged participants to distance themselves from family and friends and urged them to apply for credit cards with the highest possible limits.
The lawyer stated that the available credit was subsequently used, leaving the resulting debt in the names of the individuals who had applied for the cards. This is one of the schemes described by the legal representative in complaints regarding the management of the eco-village.
Among the cases cited by Chaverri is that of a 67-year-old woman identified as an alleged victim of sexual offenses. According to the lawyer, when she reported the incident to other community members, those in charge allegedly attempted to silence her and blamed her for the events she had reported.
Complainants include citizens from three countries
The lawyer also noted that the administrators allegedly told foreign participants that the site held sovereign status independent of the rest of Costa Rica. According to Chaverri, this narrative was accompanied by claims that the leadership could administer justice within the community and warnings about the importance of avoiding a scandal.
The individuals claiming to be affected include citizens of the United States, Canada, and Costa Rica.
The investigation will aim to establish the scope of the reported events, verify the allegations, and determine the potential liability of the four detained U.S. citizens.
The OIJ identified the four detained individuals as:
- A 44-year-old man surnamed England
- A 44-year-old woman surnamed Hallman
- A 63-year-old man surnamed Mc Dow
- A 62-year-old woman surnamed Gingras.