Official arrested worked at Juan Santamaria Airport. Photo: Immigration Police
The Directorate General of Immigration has arrested one of its own officials, who allegedly allowed a Dominican woman to enter the country illegally. According to investigators, the official stamped a tourist visa into a false United States passport, which the woman presented upon arrival at Juan Santamaria airport. Citizens of the Dominican Republic do not automatically receive a tourist visa for Costa Rica, and must first apply at a consulate in their home country.
The capture was made possible by a process of the Research Unit of the Professional Immigration Police, and the public prosecutor in Alajuela. According to Kathya Rodriguez, director of immigration there are a total of seven officials on charges of