Published on Tuesday, August 4, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rican authorities, working in coordination with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Embassy, have arrested a 46-year-old American man identified by the last name Dunning, who is wanted in the United States on fraud charges.

According to the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), the U.S. Department of Justice issued an international arrest warrant for Dunning in connection with an alleged multimillion-dollar fraud and money laundering scheme. The arrest followed the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice requesting his immediate detention.

After an extensive investigation and surveillance operation conducted by OIJ and Interpol agents, authorities located and arrested Dunning Tuesday afternoon in a public area in Pavas Canton, in San José Province.

Following his arrest, Dunning was transferred to the Migration Apprehension Center in San José, where he will remain in custody while Costa Rican authorities complete the extradition process to the United States.

Officials declined to release additional details about the case, citing the confidentiality of the ongoing investigation. The OIJ said only Dunning's family members are authorized to request further information.

The agency also urged the public to report individuals believed to be hiding in Costa Rica while subject to an Interpol Red Notice. Confidential tips can be submitted by calling the 10-digit hotline at 800-8000-645 or the short emergency line at 11-76, where bilingual operators are available 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 arrest is one of several recent cases involving foreign nationals detained in Costa Rica based on Interpol Red Notices.

Most recently, officers from the Special Intervention Unit (UEI) of the Directorate of Intelligence and National Security (DIS) arrested a Palestinian man identified by the surname Abuawad, who is suspected of belonging to the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, based in Gaza City, Palestine.

In a recent development, Costa Rican authorities, working with Interpol and the FBI, arrested another American citizen identified by the last name Patterson, who is also wanted by U.S. authorities on fraud charges.

The OIJ, which operates under the Supreme Court of Justice, is the country's primary criminal investigative agency and has nationwide law enforcement authority.

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