Costa Rican authorities on Wednesday extradited a Syrian national wanted by the United States on allegations of human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

Agents from Interpol working with the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) carried out the extradition of a 40-year-old man identified by the last name Maklad, who is sought by U.S. authorities.

According to the OIJ, the U.S. Department of Justice issued an international arrest warrant for Maklad in connection with alleged crimes related to human trafficking, including cases in which victims were reportedly forced into labor, prostitution or sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude.

Authorities said Maklad allegedly played a significant role in a criminal organization based in New Mexico, U.S., from where he coordinated human smuggling and trafficking operations involving victims from Egypt, Venezuela and Guatemala. Investigators believe the network operated between 2022 and 2025.

Maklad reportedly fled in early 2025, prompting U.S. authorities to request international cooperation through an Interpol Red Notice seeking his arrest.

Costa Rican authorities arrested Maklad in May 2025 when he attempted to enter the country through a land border crossing with Nicaragua.

Officials have not released further details about the investigation, citing confidentiality. Authorities said that only family members are authorized to request additional information about the case.

The OIJ is urging the public to report any suspicions of individuals hiding in Costa Rica who may be subject to Interpol Red Notices. Tips can be submitted confidentially by calling the 10-digit hotline at 800-8000-645 or the fast line at 11-76, where bilingual agents assist callers in English and Spanish.

The case is one of several involving foreign nationals arrested in Costa Rica under international Red Notices. Recently, OIJ agents arrested a 34-year-old Canadian citizen identified by the last name Bou-Saleh, who is wanted by authorities in Canada in connection with drug and arms trafficking charges.

In related developments, a Costa Rican court in February approved the deferred extradition of two Costa Rican nationals to the United States, marking the first time the country has authorized the extradition of its own citizens to face criminal charges abroad.

The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) operates under Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice and is responsible for conducting criminal investigations nationwide, with police authority throughout the country.