Charges Against Rodrigo Chaves and Minister Jorge Rodríguez
The Costa Rican Fiscal General’s office has filed corruption charges against President Rodrigo Chaves and his Culture Minister, Jorge Rodríguez. The allegations involve an alleged corrupt scheme in the contracting of a company linked to the Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica (BCIE).
Details of the Accusation
Chaves and Rodríguez are accused of “concusión,” a crime punishable by 2 to 8 years in prison. This charge pertains to public officials who coerce or persuade someone to provide an unlawful personal or monetary benefit.
According to the prosecutors, a publicist named Christian Bulgarelli, funded by the BCIE to work for the Presidency, was allegedly forced and pressured to grant an improper financial benefit to a close friend and advisor of Chaves for purchasing a property.
BCIE’s Response
In June 2024, the BCIE imposed a seven-year ban on Bulgarelli and his company due to “prohibited fraud and collusion practices.” The bank stated it respects state sovereignty and does not intervene in internal matters. It also confirmed that investigation findings were shared with the Fiscalía, expressing willingness for further collaboration.
Presidential Response Pending
The Presidency has yet to comment on these accusations.
Political Context
This accusation follows Chaves’ March street protests against the Judiciary, demanding the resignation of Attorney General Carlo Díaz. Díaz leads multiple investigations into Chaves for charges including influence trafficking, abuse of power, and dereliction of duty.
Díaz described these protests as attempts to obstruct justice in ongoing cases against Chaves, whom he calls “politically motivated.”
