Judicial Investigation in Costa Rica Targets Presidency amid Contract Controversy
Audio recordings linked to alleged influence peddling in a government contract are seized as part of a judicial investigation.
On January 30, agents from the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) seized a series of audio recordings known as _Los audios de Presidencia_ as part of an investigation by the Fiscalía General.
This inquiry centers on the controversial contracting of audiovisual producer Christian Bulgarelli Rojas at the Casa Presidencial, funded by the Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica (BCIE).
The recordings, initially provided by former Communication Minister Patricia Navarro, were published by _La Nación_ in December 2023. According to documentation, four agents from the Special Section Against Organized Crime of the OIJ confiscated the audio files from Navarro's residence around 2:15 p.m. shortly after she provided testimony as a witness to prosecutor Carlo Díaz and other officials from the Public Ministry.
The confiscated material included a white 128 GB Kingston USB storage device marked with the inscription 'PNMFG', which was requested in case number 23-000057-0033-PE. This judicial file involves the current President of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves Robles, and Bulgarelli, regarding allegations of influence peddling.
The investigation is focused on possible influence peddling to benefit a private company within a tender process, with multiple related case numbers filed, according to the Public Ministry's press office.
Christian Bulgarelli, owner of the production company NOCAUT, had secured a controversial contract worth $405,000 from the BCIE, attracting scrutiny from the Fiscalía General.
Federico Campos, Navarro’s lawyer, confirmed that the USB contained recordings of conversations involving President Chaves, cabinet ministers, and image advisors.
The recordings reportedly revealed discussions about the contract with the expectation of receiving funds, with specific mention of finances and the contract shortly after Chaves took office on May 8, 2022. Both Chaves and the then President's Office chief, Jorge Rodríguez, had communicated with Bulgarelli about the funding and contract details months before a public tender was officially conducted.
Navarro indicated that Bulgarelli played a role in drafting the terms of reference for the contract with assistance from then-image advisor Federico 'Choreco' Cruz, who denied involvement.
Bulgarelli, however, stated that he had reviewed the document.
On February 22, 2024, the BCIE made public the findings of a preliminary investigation suggesting the possibility that Bulgarelli may have engaged in prohibited practices of fraud and collusion to obtain the contract.
Following this, Bulgarelli criticized the BCIE for not investigating President Chaves and other officials involved in the controversial contract, indicating he was considering taking the case to the Fiscalía General.
Navarro began recording meetings on May 10, 2022, two days after Chaves' inauguration, with the intention of documenting actions that could contravene legal or ethical standards.
In one audio clip, President Chaves allegedly requested information regarding the contract, expressing desires for certain financial assurances.
The recordings also captured exchanges where Chaves inquired whether his image advisor at the time, 'Choreco,' would be part of Bulgarelli's contract.
Under Article 52 of Costa Rica's Law Against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment in Public Office, influence peddling is punishable by two to five years of imprisonment, with increased penalties for cases involving individuals from the highest offices.
This inquiry centers on the controversial contracting of audiovisual producer Christian Bulgarelli Rojas at the Casa Presidencial, funded by the Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica (BCIE).
The recordings, initially provided by former Communication Minister Patricia Navarro, were published by _La Nación_ in December 2023. According to documentation, four agents from the Special Section Against Organized Crime of the OIJ confiscated the audio files from Navarro's residence around 2:15 p.m. shortly after she provided testimony as a witness to prosecutor Carlo Díaz and other officials from the Public Ministry.
The confiscated material included a white 128 GB Kingston USB storage device marked with the inscription 'PNMFG', which was requested in case number 23-000057-0033-PE. This judicial file involves the current President of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves Robles, and Bulgarelli, regarding allegations of influence peddling.
The investigation is focused on possible influence peddling to benefit a private company within a tender process, with multiple related case numbers filed, according to the Public Ministry's press office.
Christian Bulgarelli, owner of the production company NOCAUT, had secured a controversial contract worth $405,000 from the BCIE, attracting scrutiny from the Fiscalía General.
Federico Campos, Navarro’s lawyer, confirmed that the USB contained recordings of conversations involving President Chaves, cabinet ministers, and image advisors.
The recordings reportedly revealed discussions about the contract with the expectation of receiving funds, with specific mention of finances and the contract shortly after Chaves took office on May 8, 2022. Both Chaves and the then President's Office chief, Jorge Rodríguez, had communicated with Bulgarelli about the funding and contract details months before a public tender was officially conducted.
Navarro indicated that Bulgarelli played a role in drafting the terms of reference for the contract with assistance from then-image advisor Federico 'Choreco' Cruz, who denied involvement.
Bulgarelli, however, stated that he had reviewed the document.
On February 22, 2024, the BCIE made public the findings of a preliminary investigation suggesting the possibility that Bulgarelli may have engaged in prohibited practices of fraud and collusion to obtain the contract.
Following this, Bulgarelli criticized the BCIE for not investigating President Chaves and other officials involved in the controversial contract, indicating he was considering taking the case to the Fiscalía General.
Navarro began recording meetings on May 10, 2022, two days after Chaves' inauguration, with the intention of documenting actions that could contravene legal or ethical standards.
In one audio clip, President Chaves allegedly requested information regarding the contract, expressing desires for certain financial assurances.
The recordings also captured exchanges where Chaves inquired whether his image advisor at the time, 'Choreco,' would be part of Bulgarelli's contract.
Under Article 52 of Costa Rica's Law Against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment in Public Office, influence peddling is punishable by two to five years of imprisonment, with increased penalties for cases involving individuals from the highest offices.
