A U.S. citizen identified by the surname Stockwell was arrested in Costa Rica as part of an investigation supported by intelligence from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into an alleged money-laundering operation, Costa Rican authorities said.

The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), arrested Stockwell, 56, who is from the U.S. State of Illinois. He is the son of an American father and a Costa Rican mother and holds legal residency in Costa Rica.

According to information provided to the press by Attorney General Carlo Díaz-Sánchez and Michael Soto-Rojas, director general of the OIJ, the case, known as “Exodo” (exodus), began with FBI intelligence indicating that Stockwell allegedly received large sums of money from a Costa Rican identified by the surname Vargas-García.

The money was allegedly invested in large-scale entertainment events, including shows and concerts, as a way to launder money.

“The investigation against them began after determining that the producers (referring to Stockwell and another suspect identified by the surname Barboza) were communicating with them (referring to the criminal group allegedly led by Vargas-García) through a social media app,” Attorney General Díaz-Sánchez said. “With the collaboration of the FBI, we were able to obtain those conversations and see their relationship,” he added.

Díaz said the operation was named “Exodo” ( exodus) because its main objective was to remove a large number of people from the streets who were suspected of being part of a criminal group linked to drug trafficking and money laundering. Authorities also sought to freeze the group’s property and assets to prevent it from continuing to operate in Costa Rica.

Authorities said Vargas-García has been in custody since January 2025 as a suspect in leading a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking and money laundering through the production of large-scale entertainment events, the buying and selling of cattle, private loans and other commercial activities.

Following an investigation and surveillance operation by OIJ investigators, authorities collected evidence indicating that Vargas-García allegedly invested large amounts of money believed to have come from drug trafficking in large-scale entertainment events organized by Stockwell’s business firm.

According to the OIJ investigation, Vargas-García allegedly invested nearly $860,000 in three large-scale entertainment events organized by Stockwell’s company between 2024 and 2025. Authorities believe the investments were made in cash while Vargas-García had not yet been arrested.

The criminal group allegedly led by Vargas-García was also reportedly involved in melting gold pieces and then sending them to the United States, authorities said.

With authorization from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, OIJ agents began carrying out more than 20 raids at 4 a.m. Wednesday at the homes and offices of suspects, including Stockwell, as well as others allegedly linked to Vargas-García’s criminal activities.

The raids were conducted in the cantons of Escazú, Tibás, Barrio México, Curridabat and Santa Ana, all in San José Province.

Authorities arrested Stockwell and 19 other suspects believed to be members of the criminal organization. Among those arrested are suspects identified by the surnames Vargas, Aguero, Barboza, Benavides, Solano, Roses, Alvarado, Provenza, Berrocal, Perez, Alfaro, Madriz, Acuna, Garcia, Chacon and Oviedo, among others.

OIJ agents also seized a large number of items as evidence in the case, including documents, cash, vehicles, motorcycles, weapons, ammunition, cellphones, equipment used for melting metals and other devices.

Stockwell and the other suspects remain in custody at the Prosecutor’s Office in San José, where they are awaiting questioning by OIJ agents. They will then await a judge’s decision on pretrial measures as suspects of belonging to a criminal organization allegedly dedicated to drug trafficking and money laundering.

Officials did not release additional details about the case, citing the confidentiality of the ongoing investigation. The OIJ said that only the suspects' relatives are authorized to request further information.

Authorities also urged the public to report suspected drug trafficking or money-laundering activities. Tips can be submitted confidentially by calling the 10-digit line 800-8000-645 or the 1176 short line. Bilingual agents are available to assist callers in English and Spanish.

According to the U.S. Embassy, American citizens arrested abroad are entitled to consular assistance. Once Costa Rican authorities notify the embassy of an arrest, a U.S. consular officer visits the detainee to check on their well-being, review the circumstances of the arrest and provide information about the local legal system, including a list of attorneys.

At the detainee's request, consular officials may also notify family members or friends, help facilitate the transfer of funds for legal or living expenses, and serve as a liaison with relatives.

However, the embassy notes that consular officers cannot provide legal representation, act as attorneys or intervene to secure the release of detained U.S. citizens.

For Americans serving lengthy prison sentences abroad, consular officers are required to conduct welfare visits at least once every three to four months.

The Public Prosecutor's Office is responsible for directing criminal investigations and prosecuting criminal cases throughout the country.

The OIJ, which operates under the Supreme Court of Justice, is responsible for conducting criminal investigations nationwide and exercises police authority throughout Costa Rica.

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