Costa Rican authorities have deported a Croatian national wanted on fraud and money-laundering charges, officials confirmed Thursday.

The 50-year-old suspect, identified only by his last name, Miroslav, was handed over to Croatian agents at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela. The transfer was coordinated by Interpol and the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ).

According to the OIJ, Miroslav was the subject of a Red Notice issued by Croatia in 2019. Prosecutors there accuse him of fleeing after he was sentenced in 2011 for drug trafficking and money laundering.

Judicial agents said Miroslav had been living in Tilarán Canton, in Guanacaste Province, before his arrest on Oct. 13, 2025. He was held at the Migration Apprehension Center in San José until his deportation was finalized at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Authorities have not released further information, noting that only the suspect’s immediate family members may request additional details.

  

Miroslav is among several foreign nationals recently deported from Costa Rica. Recently, officials deported a Russian national wanted on fraud and money-laundering charges.

In related news, the San José Criminal Court has approved the extradition of three Costa Rican citizens to the United States, marking the first time in the country’s history that nationals will be extradited.

The decision follows a legal reform that took effect in May 2025, allowing Costa Rican citizens, by birth or naturalization, to be extradited to countries with which Costa Rica has signed treaties.

The OIJ is urging the public to report individuals who may be the subject of an international Red Notice. Confidential tips can be submitted via the 10-digit hotline 800-8000-645 or the quick line 11-76. Bilingual agents are available to assist in both English and Spanish.

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

   

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