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Trial
begins for former deputy and his relatives
suspects of corruption
By
the A.M. Costa Rica staff
The Specialized Unit of the Attorney General's office announced the beginning of the trial against former Deputy Abelino Esquivel Quesada, his sister of the same surname, and his wife surnamed Cortés-Oporto. All of them are accused by the Public Ministry as allegedly responsible for committing crimes of extortion and illicit enrichment. The legal term, "crime of extortion," is used when a public employee uses his position to request a 'payment or contribution' which is essentially a bribe. The legal term "illicit enrichment" or corruption, is the increase of assets of a public official during the exercise of their functions with significant excess over their legitimate income that cannot be reasonably justified. Abelino Esquivel Quesada was Deputy for the Costa Rican Renovation party from 2014 to 2018. According to the accusation presented by the Prosecutor's office, the former deputy and his sister collected part of their salary from four employees of the Legislative Assembly. According to the evidence obtained by the Public Ministry, the suspects possibly received 123 payments from the victims. Apparently, the employees made payments with bank deposits or cash. "It is estimated the family members received an amount of ₵22,446,310 colones," about $39,635, said the Prosecutor in its statement. The Prosecutor also accused the former deputy's wife, surnamed Cortes-Oporto. It is suggested that she received salaries illegally, "since she did not provide the services for which she was hired," said the Prosecutor in its statement. "With the alleged action of the woman, in association with the Esquivel Quesada brothers, the suspect would have received an amount of ₵7,846,310," about $13,855. During the preliminary hearing, the Prosecutor presented the evidence that was collected during the investigation, to demonstrate the probable participation of the suspects in these crimes. The Criminal Court of the Treasury and the Civil Service will announce the date of the trial. ------------------------ Is it common for deputies to be accused of corruption in your country? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com |
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