Agents from the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) on Wednesday arrested four people suspected of involvement in the robbery and disappearance of a 71-year-old man known locally as “Gringo Tico.”

The victim, identified as Daniel Francisco Vargas-Salas, was born on May 20, 1954, in Alajuela City, Alajuela Province, according to the National Civil Registry.

Vargas reportedly lived and worked in the United States for several years, during which time he obtained legal residency. His frequent travel between Costa Rica and the U.S. earned him the nickname “Gringo Tico.”

Vargas was last seen on September 12 at his home in Alajuela. After several days without contact and no response at his residence, friends and neighbors reported him missing, prompting authorities to open an investigation on September 24.

When OIJ agents entered Vargas’s home, they discovered that most of his belongings had been removed. Neighbors told investigators they had seen a vehicle parked at the property as individuals loaded furniture, appliances, and other valuables.

The investigation led agents to identify three suspects (all members of the same family) allegedly linked to Vargas’s disappearance and the theft of his household goods.

The suspects were identified as: a woman with the surname Badilla (25), a man García-Gutiérrez (53), his daughter García-Castro (29) and her boyfriend Isaza-Calderón (34). They were arrested at their residence in Barva Canton, Heredia Province.

Investigators traced Vargas’s missing belongings to the García family’s home, where several items believed to have been taken from Vargas’s property were found. Recovered items included beds, refrigerators, a barbecue grill, wooden furniture, a washer and dryer set, televisions, tools, and various other household goods.

Authorities believe the suspects’ motive may have been to burgle Vargas’s property and possessions. The three were reportedly friends of the missing man.

The case remains officially classified as a missing person and robbery investigation, as Vargas’s whereabouts have not been confirmed.

In a related development, OIJ agents discovered a man’s body buried in a pit in Carrizal District, Alajuela Province. The remains reportedly match Vargas’s physical description. The body has been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Heredia for DNA testing and formal identification.

The suspects have been transferred to the Public Ministry offices in Alajuela, where they will be questioned and held pending a judge’s decision on pretrial measures.

The OIJ, part of Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice, is leading the search and asking the public for help. Anyone with information is urged to call the confidential 11-digit hotline at 800-8000-0645 or send tips via WhatsApp at 8800-0645.