Large Criminal Activity
Costa Rica Surpasses 3,000 Homicides Under President Chaves
Costa Rica has recorded over 3,000 homicides since President Rodrigo Chaves took office, with gang rivalries over drug routes driving high levels of violence.
Costa Rica has recorded at least 3,058 homicides since President Rodrigo Chaves assumed office on May 8, 2022. Data from the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) highlights serious security challenges, with 2023 as the deadliest year at 906 murders. The 2025 tally reached 833 homicides by December 16, mostly tied to gang feuds over narcotics control. Two-thirds of the deaths are linked to gang conflicts, often involving firearms, and young adults are disproportionately affected. The country's homicide rate of about 17 per 100,000 residents reflects Costa Rica's growing role as a drug transit hub and has wider impacts, including 28 bystander deaths in 2025, among them eight children under 12, disrupting communities, schools, and commerce.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Costa Rica
- Date added
- 2026-03-25 22:28 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-25 22:28 UTC
- Source
- https://www.ticotimes.net
- Connected threats
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- Not Available