On Wednesday, Costa Rican authorities deported a Canadian citizen, identified by the last name Conneh, 38, who was wanted by the United States.

According to the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), the U.S. Department of Justice issued an international arrest warrant for Conneh in January 2025, concerning a fraud and money laundering conspiracy case. 

In January, Conneh was taken into custody at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela Province after arriving on an international flight from Brazil. The arrest followed a Red Notice issued for his immediate apprehension and extradition to the U.S. 

Following standard security procedures, he was transferred to the Migration Apprehension Center in San José, where he remained until his extradition was completed on Wednesday at 1 p.m.

The suspect was turned over to U.S. agents at SJO airport. The transfer was coordinated by Interpol and OIJ.

Authorities did not release further details about the investigation, citing confidentiality. Only the suspect’s family members are authorized to request additional information. 

  

This is one of numerous cases of foreign citizens deported in Costa Rica. Recently, a U.S. citizen identified by the last name Duran was deported to the State of Pennsylvania, U.S., on charges including cocaine and fentanyl trafficking, as well as criminal association.

OIJ is urging the public to report any suspicions of individuals hiding in Costa Rica under a Red Notice. Tips can be submitted confidentially by calling the ten-digit hotline 800-8000-645 or the fast line 11-76, where bilingual agents can assist in English or Spanish.

The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), a division of Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice, conducts criminal investigations. Officers in this operational unit have nationwide police authority.

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What have you heard about expats living in Costa Rica and evading Red Notices? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com