Costa Rica’s Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (FAPTA) on Wednesday called for the acquittal of three high-ranking former officials: ex-Supreme Court Justice Celso Gamboa-Sánchez, former San José Mayor Johnny Araya-Monge, and former prosecutor Berenice Smith-Bonilla, in a high-profile influence-peddling trial.

Prosecutor Natalia Villalta made that request during closing arguments before the Criminal Court of Finance in San José, stating that after a thorough review of the evidence and witness testimony, the prosecution was unable to establish that a crime had been committed.

“We analyzed all testimonial and documentary evidence objectively and concluded we must request an acquittal,” Villalta told reporters after the hearing. “We assessed the evidence throughout the entire trial. It would have been irresponsible to reach a conclusion from the beginning.”

The three defendants were accused of using their positions to manipulate an official document. According to the indictment, Gamboa and Smith (both prosecutors at the time) allegedly collaborated to provide Araya with a certificate stating he had no pending criminal cases. Prosecutors argued the document could have shielded Araya from political damage.

Influence peddling, or trading in influence, typically involves leveraging political or personal connections to obtain favors, often in exchange for personal gain.

Gamboa is also facing separate legal trouble. He is currently being held at Jorge Arturo Montero Prison ( commonly known as "La Reforma") in Alajuela Province while awaiting a decision on a U.S. extradition request. Prosecutors in the Eastern District of Texas have filed unrelated charges against him.

Attorney General Carlo Díaz-Sánchez dismissed suggestions that the decision to seek an acquittal was aimed at clearing the way for Gamboa’s extradition.

“There was no coordination or interference whatsoever from the Attorney General’s Office with FAPTA prosecutors in this case,” Díaz said to the press. “The decision to seek an acquittal was made independently and based solely on the evidence.”

Araya is also under investigation in a different case known as the Diamond Case, in which prosecutors allege private contractors provided benefits to him and other mayors in exchange for municipal contracts for infrastructure improvements.

A ruling is expected within hours. The court is widely expected to acquit all three defendants of the charges originally brought by prosecutors.