Guobin Tam Zhang faces U.S. extradition for alleged drug trafficking and money laundering

Guobin Tam Zhang, a Costa Rican citizen of Chinese origin, has been detained in Costa Rica facing extradition to the United States. U.S. authorities accuse him of involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering for Mexican cartels, specifically using cryptocurrency and encrypted messaging to move funds.

Investigations reveal that Tam Zhang allegedly incriminated himself during a meeting with a DEA undercover agent in San José, where he discussed moving cocaine to Florida and laundering money through collaborators in Orlando. He is currently held in a high-containment facility in La Reforma.

His arrest has triggered a political controversy in Costa Rica. The ruling Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO) denied receiving any donations or maintaining commercial ties with Tam Zhang, despite photographs circulating that placed him at the party’s electoral victory celebration. PPSO Secretary General Freddy González confirmed knowing Tam Zhang as a long-time resident and member of the Chinese Chamber, but asserted there were no records of political contributions from him.

Additionally, business records show Tam Zhang served as treasurer for a corporation shared with former national soccer player Mauricio Wright and Alberto Gómez Calderón, who is also facing extradition to the United States.