Costa Rican authorities seize $5 million in assets from 'Pecho de Rata' criminal group

Costa Rican authorities have conducted a significant asset seizure targeting a criminal structure, confiscating 84 properties and around 300 heads of cattle. These assets are linked to the 'Pecho de Rata' organization and the ongoing 'Caso Riverside' investigation.

The estimated registered value of these seized assets surpasses 2.6 billion Costa Rican colones (approximately $5 million USD). The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) announced that 58 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, and authorities are actively searching for 23 more suspects.

Reports suggest that a key figure associated with 'Pecho de Rata' is believed to be in Switzerland. The OIJ has identified the extensive network of properties and livestock as instrumental to the financial operations of the criminal group.

This operation represents a substantial blow to the financial infrastructure of the identified criminal organization, aiming to dismantle its capacity to operate through the forfeiture of its ill-gotten gains.