Costa Rican authorities have deported an Israeli national wanted on cryptocurrency fraud charges, the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) announced.

The man, identified by the last name Yakir-Rotem, was taken into custody in August 2023 at his residence in Hermosa Beach, located in Costa Rica’s Puntarenas province. His arrest followed an Interpol Red Notice issued by German authorities, who allege his involvement in a large-scale Bitcoin investment fraud scheme.

According to the OIJ, German prosecutors are seeking Yakir-Rotem in connection with a 2016 criminal operation that defrauded investors and reportedly netted over $54 million in illicit profits. He had entered Costa Rica in 2016, but the Red Notice was not issued until August 2023.

Following his arrest, Yakir-Rotem was held at the Migration Detention Center in San José province while deportation proceedings were carried out. Authorities confirmed his deportation was finalized on Tuesday.

The OIJ is encouraging the public to report any individuals believed to be subjects of Interpol Red Notices. Confidential tips can be submitted by calling the toll-free number 800-8000-645 or the emergency line at 1176. Bilingual agents are available to assist in both English and Spanish.

Yakir-Rotem’s case is one of several recent instances of international fugitives being detained and deported from Costa Rica. Recently, the General Directorate of Migration (DGME) deported a Tajik national wanted in his home country on terrorism charges.

Costa Rica recently strengthened its extradition laws. A legal reform that took effect in May 2025 now allows the country to extradite its own citizens, whether by birth or naturalization, to nations with which it maintains extradition treaties.

The OIJ, a division of Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice, is responsible for conducting criminal investigations throughout the country.

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