For the past eight years, Costa Rica has become one of the most important markets for luxury cars stolen in other countries. According to the authorities, they mostly come from Panama and Guatemala.
This was explained by David Corrales, head ai of the Vehicle Theft Section of the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ).
The vehicles that are stolen in other countries and that appear in this territory are very expensive. Here they are bought on the black market with lower prices.
They get in the country with falsified documents, they put them on sale in the black market for 15 or 20 million colones. All from well-known brands,”
quoted Corrales.
The official also acknowledged that there is an illicit market where Costa Ricans are looking for luxury cars that have been stolen in other countries, especially in Panama.
In addition, it’s more common for vehicles stolen in other countries to be brought to Costa Rica that the other way around.
One of the strategies of the criminals is to lower the price of the car by 20% and advertise it on websites to get an unsuspecting buyer more easily.
Borders are vulnerable. There are hidden paths where the police do not have the resources to control them,”
said Corrales.
It is usual for stolen cars to be ‘cloned’ with data from legal vehicles.