Four U.S. citizens were arrested Tuesday on suspicion of defrauding Americans and Canadians of approximately $600,000 through an alleged spiritual retreat center in Costa Rica, the Judicial Investigation Organization, or OIJ, said.

The case began after authorities received a complaint about a possible scam involving a U.S. citizen, according to Michael Soto, Director of the OIJ.

The investigation was conducted by OIJ agents in cooperation with the investigations office of the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica and with authorization from the Public Prosecutor's Office. It led investigators to an alleged spiritual retreat center in Pérez Zeledón Canton, in a rural area of San José Province.

The center was allegedly operated by four U.S. citizens: two men identified by the surnames England, 44, and McDow, 63, and two women identified by the surnames Hallman, 44, and Gingras, 62.

According to authorities, the site, whose name was not provided by investigators, offered long-term spiritual retreats to citizens of the United States and Canada.

Investigators said the group advertised extended stays at the center through social media, describing it as a paradise-like site in a rural area of Costa Rica where guests could rest, grow vegetables, interact with other guests and enjoy a spiritually enriching environment.

Tourists who wanted to stay at the site were apparently required to make a substantial deposit in advance, which was to be held by the suspects, according to the investigation.

The site also charged guests for alleged spiritual healing rituals.

Some people who made reservations deposited money in advance to secure a place, investigators said. However, the site's administrators rejected some guests before they arrived, even though they had already made the required deposit.

Those guests were not refunded the money they had paid for their reservations.

In addition, guests who did stay at the site were asked by the administrators to turn over their money so it could be managed by the group operating the alleged spiritual center.

Investigators said the methods used to collect and manage large sums of money resulted in approximately $600,000 being accumulated through the alleged scam.

The OIJ said the investigation identified at least 11 alleged victims, including Americans and Canadians, who were defrauded through the collection and management of their money.

With authorization from the Public Prosecutor's Office, OIJ agents conducted seven raids, including at the retreat center and at the homes of the main suspects in the towns of Platanillo and Barú.

The four suspects were arrested during the operation. Agents also seized cash, various electronic devices and documents that will be used as evidence in the alleged fraud case.

The suspects were taken to the Public Prosecutor's Office in San José, where they were questioned by prosecutors. They will remain in custody while awaiting a judge's decision on pretrial measures as suspects in the alleged fraud.

Officials did not release additional details about the case, citing the confidentiality of the ongoing investigation. The OIJ said that only the suspects' relatives are authorized to request further information.

Authorities also urged the public to report suspected cases of fraud. Tips can be submitted confidentially by calling the 10-digit hotline at 800-8000-645 or the short line 1176. Bilingual agents are available to assist callers in English and Spanish.

According to the U.S. Embassy, American citizens arrested abroad are entitled to consular assistance. Once Costa Rican authorities notify the embassy of an arrest, a U.S. consular officer visits the detainee to check on their well-being, review the circumstances of the arrest and provide information about the local legal system, including a list of attorneys.

At the detainee's request, consular officials may also notify family members or friends, help facilitate the transfer of funds for legal or living expenses, and serve as a liaison with relatives.

However, the embassy notes that consular officers cannot provide legal representation, act as attorneys or intervene to secure the release of detained U.S. citizens.

For Americans serving lengthy prison sentences abroad, consular officers are required to conduct welfare visits at least once every three to four months.

The Public Prosecutor's Office is responsible for directing criminal investigations and prosecuting criminal cases throughout the country.

The OIJ, which operates under the Supreme Court of Justice, is responsible for conducting criminal investigations nationwide and exercises police authority throughout Costa Rica.

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