The Fraud Prosecutor’s Office ordered the arrest of seven people accused of belonging to a gang that allegedly ran scams through fake travel agencies and laundered money, authorities said on Wednesday.

According to the Public Ministry (MP), agents from the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) carried out nine raids at the suspects’ homes and offices in the provinces of San José, Alajuela and Heredia.

Authorities said five men were taken into custody, identified by their last names as Bolaños, 48; Gutierrez, 31; Chaves, 49; Alfaro; and Obando, 38. Two women were also arrested, identified as Cordero, 39, and Morera, 41.

Investigators seized cellphones, computers and documents as evidence.

The investigation began after at least 110 people filed complaints saying they were victims of travel package scams.

“Preliminary findings suggest the suspects made cold calls to victims, posing as representatives of travel agencies named World Voyages, Traveling Network, C.R. Travel Agency VIP, First Class Travel International and DM World Destination, among others,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement.

Authorities believe the suspects told victims they had won hotel stays, free passes to water parks or promotional trips. The victims were allegedly persuaded to provide their credit card details or authorize electronic transfers to accounts linked to the fake companies.

Officials estimate the suspects collected unauthorized payments ranging from $500 to $3,200.

When victims tried to redeem their supposed prizes or access the booking platforms, they found that the reservations didn’t exist and that the websites were either inactive or “under maintenance.” Some went to the supposed company offices, only to learn they no longer existed and that the alleged travel agents were unreachable.

The prosecutor’s office said investigators also discovered that the contracts provided to victims contained incomplete information and did not list the name or registration number of the purported travel agency.

“Using money obtained illegally,” the office added, “the suspects allegedly purchased high-value assets, including properties.” They are also under investigation for alleged money laundering.

The seven suspects were taken into custody at the Public Ministry, where they are being questioned by judicial agents. They remain in detention while awaiting a judge’s decision on pretrial measures as they face charges of fraud and money laundering.

The OIJ is urging the public to report any suspected scams involving fake tourism services. Confidential tips can be submitted by calling the ten-digits free number 800-8000-645 or the short line 1176. Bilingual agents are available to assist in English and Spanish.


The OIJ, a division of the Supreme Court of Justice, is responsible for conducting criminal investigations and holds nationwide police authority.

The MP is the government agency responsible for prosecuting criminal cases and supervising investigations.