Michael Soto Rojas appointed permanent Deputy Director of OIJ

The Supreme Court of Justice has officially appointed Michael Soto Rojas as the permanent Deputy Director of the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ). Soto, who has served in an interim capacity since May 2022 and has also been acting as the OIJ Director since October 2025, received unanimous support from the 20 magistrates present during the session.

Orlando Aguirre Gómez, President of the Supreme Court, administered the oath of office. The appointment follows a competitive process that began in August 2025, involving 27 applicants. Soto succeeds Gerald Campos Valverde, who left the position to serve as Minister of Justice and Peace.

This leadership confirmation occurs amid concerns regarding the 2027 National Budget. Reports indicate that a provision included by the Executive Branch could potentially leave the OIJ without a director or deputy director by classifying these positions as administrative vacancies. Such a classification would require technical studies from the Comptroller General of the Republic and subsequent legislative approval before the Judiciary could fill them.