University of Costa Rica Suspends Officials Amid Ongoing Investigation
Two officials suspended without pay following criminal case related to Cyclotron facility.
The University of Costa Rica (UCR) has announced the suspension of two officials, identified as Cotter Murillo and Soto Retana, who were temporarily detained in February as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct involving the Cyclotron building.
The Universidad's administration stated that the suspension without pay follows precautionary measures imposed by the Criminal Court of the II Judicial Circuit of San José.
This suspension will remain in effect throughout the duration of the criminal proceedings and until a potential judicial debate is concluded.
The Cyclotron is a laboratory designed for the early diagnosis and timely treatment of health conditions prevalent in the country, particularly cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
The officials under investigation were responsible for overseeing and approving the facility's infrastructure, reportedly without conducting thorough inspections.
Prior to their suspension, both Cotter Murillo and Soto Retana were employed at the Executive Office of the Investment Program (OEPI) of the UCR.
In connection with the Cyclotron case, judicial authorities conducted raids on February 5, targeting five offices at the University, the construction company Navarro and Avilés, and the homes of the implicated officials.
The construction company was responsible for the design and construction of the Cyclotron facility.
The Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating allegations that the officials failed to inspect the construction adequately and subsequently approved the facility’s acceptance.
This situation is believed to have resulted in improper payments totaling $2.4 million and €5.1 million.
The case is being processed under file number 24-000192-1218-PE.
In 2020, Cotter Murillo received a warning from the University’s Office of the Comptroller regarding alleged negligence in overseeing the construction of the Nanoscience Building at the Materials Science and Engineering Research Center (CICIMA).
At that time, Carlos Araya Leandro, the interim rector, stated that although he was temporarily in office, he acted based on the legal advice received and dismissed the earlier report, viewing the warning as sufficient.
According to his statement, Murillo had not faced prior sanctions.
Moreover, the University has reported potential irregularities in the construction of four additional buildings, including the Cyclotron, the Music Arts School building, the INIFAR facility, and the classrooms and laboratories of the Atlantic Regional Campus.
All were constructed as part of an Institutional Improvement Program funded by a World Bank loan.
A report from the Office of the Comptroller identified hidden defects and design issues in these four constructions.
The Universidad's administration stated that the suspension without pay follows precautionary measures imposed by the Criminal Court of the II Judicial Circuit of San José.
This suspension will remain in effect throughout the duration of the criminal proceedings and until a potential judicial debate is concluded.
The Cyclotron is a laboratory designed for the early diagnosis and timely treatment of health conditions prevalent in the country, particularly cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
The officials under investigation were responsible for overseeing and approving the facility's infrastructure, reportedly without conducting thorough inspections.
Prior to their suspension, both Cotter Murillo and Soto Retana were employed at the Executive Office of the Investment Program (OEPI) of the UCR.
In connection with the Cyclotron case, judicial authorities conducted raids on February 5, targeting five offices at the University, the construction company Navarro and Avilés, and the homes of the implicated officials.
The construction company was responsible for the design and construction of the Cyclotron facility.
The Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating allegations that the officials failed to inspect the construction adequately and subsequently approved the facility’s acceptance.
This situation is believed to have resulted in improper payments totaling $2.4 million and €5.1 million.
The case is being processed under file number 24-000192-1218-PE.
In 2020, Cotter Murillo received a warning from the University’s Office of the Comptroller regarding alleged negligence in overseeing the construction of the Nanoscience Building at the Materials Science and Engineering Research Center (CICIMA).
At that time, Carlos Araya Leandro, the interim rector, stated that although he was temporarily in office, he acted based on the legal advice received and dismissed the earlier report, viewing the warning as sufficient.
According to his statement, Murillo had not faced prior sanctions.
Moreover, the University has reported potential irregularities in the construction of four additional buildings, including the Cyclotron, the Music Arts School building, the INIFAR facility, and the classrooms and laboratories of the Atlantic Regional Campus.
All were constructed as part of an Institutional Improvement Program funded by a World Bank loan.
A report from the Office of the Comptroller identified hidden defects and design issues in these four constructions.
