Costa Rica arrested the officials in an airport contract scandal of 41 million US dollars

Late several former officials were arrested late in Costa Rica in the context of a growing examination of alleged corruption with a contract of 41 million US dollars to determine the runway at Daniel Oduber Quirós in Liberia, Guanacasten. The scandal has shaken the country with accusations of bribery and falsified documents that swirl around one of the nation's most important tourism centers.

Those who took place this morning include top-class numbers such as former minister of public work and transport Luis Amador and ex-director of the Civil Aviation Fernando Naranjo. The Justicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) has searched and found 22 locations nationwide, which the public prosecutor describes as a bribe that was associated with the contractual proceedings.

The difficulties began with the runway at Daniel Oduber, a critical capital for Guanacast's tourist economy. The years of strong air traffic and inadequate maintenance had left it in decay, which caused local companies and tourism operators to advance urgent repairs. The situation escalated when several international airlines threatened to suspend operations for security reasons.

In July 2022, the tropical storm Bonnie in Costa Rica made a direct landing, which caused the government to explain a national emergency in several areas. Almost a year later, in June 2023, the Executive Dekret No. 44.072 extended the emergency to the Liberia area and the airport area, citing storm damage. This enabled the government to bypass standard bid procedures and to award a contract of 21.8 billion US dollars (approx. 41 million US dollars) directly to the construction companies Meco.

However, technical reports from the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) in August 2023 showed no causal connection between the storm and the deterioration of the runway. The photographs and data used to justify the emergency decree were either outdated or showed no significant damage in connection with storms.

President Rodrigo Chaves reacted with the dismissal of Amador and Naranjo on March 2024, but the public outrage continued. The public prosecutor initiated a complete investigation (case list No. 24-000030-1218-PE) in potential crimes, including ideological falsehood and corruption. Under the exam, President Chaves, former Minister of the Presidency Natalia Díaz and President of the National Emergency Commission, are Alejandro Picado.

The investigation took a dramatic turn in May 2025 when the OIJ arrested several people, including Amador and Naranjo, and led over raids across the country. The public prosecutor said: “We have uncovered evidence of a bribery system associated with the contractual proceedings, and our investigations are far from over.”

President Chaves, who defends his administration, said in a press conference: “I always acted with integrity and the best interest of Costa Rica. I trust that the dishes will get to the bottom.” In the meantime, the airport authority calmed down the public and explained: “The runway repairs are still critical. We do everything we can to keep the flights safe and on schedule.”

In Liberia, the arrests triggered protests. Residents and business owners took to the streets and demanded the accountability obligation. “This airport keeps our city alive,” said a demonstrator. “We cannot allow corruption to screw it in.”