Mysterious Disappearance of U.S. Executive in Costa Rica Raises Concerns
Eshraghollah Vatani, 71, has been missing since May 19, with authorities making significant discoveries related to his case.
Eshraghollah Vatani, a 71-year-old American businessman and president of Vatani Consulting Engineers, PLLC, has been reported missing in Costa Rica since May 19, 2025. Originally from Houston, Texas, Vatani was last seen in Río Segundo, Alajuela.
The formal disappearance report was submitted to the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) on May 27, leading to a public appeal for information regarding his whereabouts.
Prior to his disappearance, Vatani was reportedly residing in Portalón, Quepos, in the Puntarenas province.
Following his vanishing, his daughters traveled from the United States to file the missing person report, highlighting the urgency and concern surrounding his case.
On June 3, OIJ agents made a significant breakthrough by recovering Vatani's bank cards.
These cards were found in the possession of four young men aged 18, 19, 21, and 24, who have since been detained on charges of computer fraud for allegedly using the cards for unauthorized purchases.
The arrests occurred following an investigation into the illicit use of the cards shortly after Vatani's disappearance.
OIJ agents executed a search warrant on a residence in San Sebastián, where they seized mobile phones and other items that may provide evidence pertinent to the case.
However, authorities have not established a direct connection between the detained individuals and Vatani's disappearance, and investigations continue to explore all leads.
Eshraghollah Vatani serves as the head of Vatani Consulting Engineers, a firm established in 1996 that specializes in civil and structural engineering, along with related advisory and technical inspection services.
The company operates in Houston and offers services across various regions in the U.S.
The investigation remains active as OIJ seeks further assistance from the public.
Citizens are encouraged to report any information that could aid in locating Vatani through a confidential hotline.
Law enforcement continues to examine potential clues, with a focus on the recent developments surrounding the use of Vatani’s bank cards as a key element in the inquiry.
The formal disappearance report was submitted to the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) on May 27, leading to a public appeal for information regarding his whereabouts.
Prior to his disappearance, Vatani was reportedly residing in Portalón, Quepos, in the Puntarenas province.
Following his vanishing, his daughters traveled from the United States to file the missing person report, highlighting the urgency and concern surrounding his case.
On June 3, OIJ agents made a significant breakthrough by recovering Vatani's bank cards.
These cards were found in the possession of four young men aged 18, 19, 21, and 24, who have since been detained on charges of computer fraud for allegedly using the cards for unauthorized purchases.
The arrests occurred following an investigation into the illicit use of the cards shortly after Vatani's disappearance.
OIJ agents executed a search warrant on a residence in San Sebastián, where they seized mobile phones and other items that may provide evidence pertinent to the case.
However, authorities have not established a direct connection between the detained individuals and Vatani's disappearance, and investigations continue to explore all leads.
Eshraghollah Vatani serves as the head of Vatani Consulting Engineers, a firm established in 1996 that specializes in civil and structural engineering, along with related advisory and technical inspection services.
The company operates in Houston and offers services across various regions in the U.S.
The investigation remains active as OIJ seeks further assistance from the public.
Citizens are encouraged to report any information that could aid in locating Vatani through a confidential hotline.
Law enforcement continues to examine potential clues, with a focus on the recent developments surrounding the use of Vatani’s bank cards as a key element in the inquiry.
