A Russian national wanted for fraud and money laundering was arrested Thursday in Costa Rica by agents from Interpol in coordination with the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ).

The suspect, identified by authorities only by his last name, Kimpaev, had been the subject of a Red Notice issued in 2019 by the Russian Federation.

According to Osvaldo Ramirez, OIJ Director, the 32-year-old has been living in Costa Rica since 2024. He was taken into custody in a public area near the Río de Oro district in Santa Ana canton, in San José.

Following standard security procedures, Kimpaev was transported to the Ministry of Justice in San José, where he awaited a judicial order for transfer to the Migration Apprehension Center, also in San José. He will remain in custody there while extradition proceedings to Russia are underway.

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

Kimpaev’s arrest follows a recent string of captures involving foreign nationals in Costa Rica who were wanted abroad. In May, a U.S. citizen identified by the last name Duran was apprehended after a Red Notice was issued by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Recently, a legal amendment went into effect in Costa Rica, allowing for the extradition of Costa Rican citizens, whether by birth or naturalization, to countries with which Costa Rica maintains extradition treaties.

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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