Published on Saturday, June 6, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rican authorities on Friday arrested a 42-year-old Canadian citizen identified by the surname Olstand on suspicion of labor exploitation at his property in Guanacaste Province.

Labor exploitation charges are often associated with labor trafficking or forced labor, which occur when employers or recruiters use force, fraud or coercion to compel individuals to work against their will under the threat of serious harm or abuse of legal authority.

According to the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), the investigation began in 2025 after authorities received a series of complaints alleging that the Canadian national was advertising job opportunities through social media.

Investigators said Olstand allegedly offered well-paying jobs that included housing and meals for workers at his farm in the Pijije District of Bagaces Canton. The positions involved caring for animals and assisting with various farm-related duties.

However, authorities said the complaints alleged that once employees arrived and began working, Olstand confiscated their identification documents, prevented them from leaving the property, failed to provide the promised wages and meals, and threatened workers who attempted to leave with firearms.

After conducting an investigation and gathering sufficient evidence, the Public Prosecutor's Office authorized a search warrant for the property. Judicial agents then carried out a raid and arrested the suspect.

During the operation, authorities seized two firearms and an ArmaLite AR-15 rifle, along with more than 300 rounds of ammunition and documents considered relevant to the investigation.

The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Public Ministry's offices in Guanacaste, where he is being questioned by investigators. He remains detained pending a judge's decision on pretrial measures while facing labor exploitation charges.

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

Authorities also urged the public to report suspected cases of labor exploitation. 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 Global Affairs Canada's Consular Services, Canadian citizens who are detained or arrested abroad have the right to request that local authorities notify Canadian consular officials.

The Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica, led by Ambassador Ioanna Sahas Martin, is located at the La Sabana Executive Business Centre in San José. The embassy's consular assistance line is available at (506) 2242-4400.

Canadian authorities state that information shared with consular officials remains confidential under the provisions of Canada's Privacy Act.

"You have the right, for example, to decide who will be notified of your situation and, if you wish, to identify who may act as your designated contact person," the Canadian government states on its website. "No one (your family, friends or anyone else) will have access to information you have shared with Canadian consular officials without your consent."

Additional information regarding procedures for Canadians detained abroad is available through the Government of Canada's travel and consular services website.

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

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