Carlos Barahona detained in Costa Rica over alleged extortion

Costa Rican footballer Carlos Barahona, a player for Club Sport Cartaginés and a member of the national team, has been detained as part of an investigation into illegal “gota a gota” loans. The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) conducted raids in Cartago, resulting in the arrest of Barahona and three other men, including a suspected group leader identified by the surname Duarte.

Authorities allege the group provided informal loans with exorbitant interest rates and used intimidation, including death threats, phone calls, and home visits, to collect payments. Barahona is suspected of acting as an intermediary who connected victims with the lender and participated in intimidatory actions.

During the operations, investigators seized ammunition, drugs, electronic devices, and vehicles. The prosecution has requested preventive detention for the suspects, who face charges of extortion, death threats, and illicit association. The president of Cartaginés expressed concern regarding the situation, stating the club will follow the legal proceedings.