Costa Rica's Caso Éxodo investigates gold smuggling and money laundering

The Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ) is investigating 'Caso Éxodo,' a criminal organization allegedly involved in drug trafficking and money laundering through the trade of precious metals. Investigators have identified operations involving jewelry, coins, and gold bullion used to legitimize illicit funds linked to Edwin Vargas García, known as 'Sobrino.'

The investigation highlights a network of businesses in San José, including a commercial center and a corporation specializing in precious metals, which may have facilitated these transactions. Evidence includes communications regarding gold prices, carats, and pawn transactions.

One suspect, identified as a man with the surname Berrocal Pérez, is accused of transporting hundreds of kilograms of gold and silver to Los Angeles, California. Between January 2021 and January 2025, he reportedly made 69 trips from Juan Santamaría International Airport to the United States, smuggling metals valued at approximately $18 million by falsely declaring them as 'scrap' to customs authorities.