AGP Executive Report

Regional Security at the OAS: Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar denounced Russia’s military presence in Nicaragua and the activity of Hamas and Hezbollah, warning it threatens Central American stability and citing Costa Rican police arrests tied to Hamas. Trade Tensions: Costa Rica pressed Panama at the UN to move from “good intentions to action” to end bans on Costa Rican agricultural exports, after Panama retaliated by suspending electricity sales. Adoption Oversight: Norway’s final adoption report says Norwegian authorities had limited insight into how children were declared abandoned in Costa Rica, after PANI reviewed 101 files. Crime Crackdown: Costa Rica carried out “Riverside,” one of its biggest organized-crime raids, with 146 raids and about 1,500 agents targeting a network linked to “Pecho de Rata.” Police Integrity: President Laura Fernández removed seven Elite Force directors after they failed polygraph tests, ordering a preliminary investigation. Tourism Record, U.S. Slowdown: Costa Rica hit an all-time air arrivals high in May, but U.S. arrivals at SJO fell. Road Disruption: Route 32’s Río Sucio bridge will see lane closures into early July. Nature & Science: Scientists described a new deep-sea “ghost shark” species from Costa Rica waters. Local Life: Ashley Phillips, a U.S. tourist missing after storm flooding near Nauyaca, has been found. Luxury Travel: Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique debuted eight new private resort residences in Guanacaste.

OAS Diplomacy: Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar warned the OAS about Russia’s “persistent and recent” military presence in Nicaragua, citing concern over links to terrorist groups and noting detentions of people allegedly tied to Hamas in Costa Rican territory. Security Crackdown: President Laura Fernández removed seven Elite Force police directors after they failed polygraph tests, ordering a preliminary investigation from her office. Major Anti-Drug Operation: Authorities carried out “Riverside,” one of the biggest organized-crime raids in recent Costa Rican history, with 146 raids and about 1,500 agents targeting an alleged drug and money-laundering network tied to “Pecho de Rata,” Edwin Danney Lopez-Vega. Adoption Oversight: Norway’s final adoption review found Norwegian authorities had limited insight into how Costa Rica declared children abandoned before adoptions, though it did not find major system-level wrongdoing. Tourism Watch: Costa Rica set an air-arrivals record in May (1.39M, +9.4%), but U.S. arrivals at San José fell 7.3%, while Europe surged. Road Updates: Route 32’s Río Sucio bridge will see one-lane closures into early July for structural repairs. Nature Science: UCR and partners described a new deep-sea “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, from Costa Rican Pacific waters. Global Spotlight: Costa Rica’s tourism push continues as Spanish outlets named it a must-see destination for 2026.

Organized Crime Crackdown: Costa Rican authorities carried out one of the biggest recent operations, with 146 raids and about 1,500 agents targeting an alleged drug-trafficking and money-laundering network linked to “Pecho de Rata,” Edwin Danney Lopez-Vega, including activity in Limón, Heredia, Cartago, San José and Alajuela. Security Overhaul: President Laura Fernández ordered the immediate removal of seven Elite Force police directors after they failed a polygraph test tied to organized-crime and corruption controls. Tourism Watch: Costa Rica hit a new air-arrivals record in May (1,390,842 for the period, +9.4%), but U.S. arrivals at SJO fell 7.3%, while Europe surged. Road Disruption: Route 32’s Río Sucio bridge will see one-lane closures starting June 22 through early July for structural repairs. Tragic Update: The family of Ashley Phillips confirmed her body was found after she vanished during a storm-hit hike near Nauyaca waterfalls. Science & Nature: Researchers described a new deep-sea “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, based on specimens collected off Puntarenas.

Public Security Shake-Up: President Laura Fernández ordered the immediate removal of seven Elite Force directors after they failed a polygraph test, and told the Security Minister to leave the Elite Force and stop trust-based appointments. Road Updates: Route 32 drivers face lane closures on the Río Sucio bridge starting Monday, with one lane shut at a time through early July while crews repair columns, reinforce the deck, service bearings, and repave. Tourism & Travel Signals: Costa Rica set an all-time record for air arrivals in May (1,390,842 tourists, +9.4% year-on-year), but U.S. arrivals at SJO fell 1.4% overall due to a 7.3% drop from the United States, while Europe surged. Nature & Science: Scientists described a new “ghost shark” species from Costa Rica’s deep Pacific waters, led by a UCR biology student. Tragic Update: The family of Ashley Phillips confirmed a body found in Costa Rica is hers after she vanished during a storm-hit hike near Nauyaca waterfalls. Sports Spotlight: Costa Rican hurdler Rhiana Mora Saint Rius won gold at the U-20 Ibero-American Athletics Championships, breaking a national record.

Tourism & Travel: Costa Rica logged a historic air-tourism record with 1,390,842 international arrivals in the latest monthly figures (+9.4%), but U.S. arrivals at SJO dipped 1.4% overall as the U.S. fell 7.3%, while Europe surged (notably Germany +30.2%, Italy +29.2%). Missing Person Update: The family of Ashley Phillips, a 30-year-old U.S. tourist missing since June 3 near Nauyaca waterfalls, confirmed her body was found after storm-linked flooding and landslides; identification was completed with help from the OIJ and Red Cross. Public Safety: Authorities arrested a man over a suspected death threat to President Laura Fernández; she was evacuated after a blast was heard near an illegal mining area. Sports Spotlight: Rhiana Mora Saint Rius, 16, won gold in the U-20 Ibero-American 100m hurdles, breaking a national record with 13.67 seconds. Justice & Policy: The Administrative Court halted CCSS retroactive collections from self-employed workers, saying the agency can’t base retroactive charges solely on income tax declarations. Prison Rules: Costa Rica tightened extradition-related prison security, limiting contact during visits and requiring body cameras for officers.

Tourism Watch: Costa Rica logged a record 1,390,842 international air arrivals (+9.4%), but at San José’s Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) U.S. tourist numbers slipped (-1.4% overall; U.S. down 7.3%), while Europe surged (+16.3%), led by Germany (+30.2%) and Italy (+29.2%). Tragic Search Update: The family of missing California hiker Ashley Phillips confirmed a body found near Barú de Pérez Zeledón matches her; she vanished June 3 after severe storms triggered flooding and landslides. Sports Spotlight: Rhiana Mora Saint Rius, 16, won gold in the 100m hurdles at the U-20 Ibero-American Athletics Championships, breaking Costa Rica’s record with 13.67 seconds. Public Safety & Justice: Authorities arrested a man over a suspected death threat to President Laura Fernández, and separate court action halted CCSS retroactive collections from self-employed workers. Environment & Weather: Tropical Wave No. 12 is expected to bring heavy rains and thunderstorms across multiple regions, while the Constitutional Court accepted an appeal to suspend logging permits for 748 trees in Playa Panamá.

President Security Alert: Costa Rican authorities arrested a man over a suspected death threat to President Laura Fernández, and she had been evacuated after a blast was heard near an illegal gold mining zone. Regional Politics: The U.S. State Department declined to back Fernández’s remarks about Nicaragua, reiterating that Ortega and Murillo pose a threat to regional security and human rights. Tourism & Economy: Costa Rica is reporting sustained growth, with 1.39 million air arrivals in Jan–May 2026 (+9.4%), alongside an infrastructure push to handle demand. Legal & Social Security: Costa Rica’s Administrative Court halted CCSS retroactive collections from self-employed workers, saying the agency can’t base retroactive charges solely on income tax declarations. Environment & Development: The Constitutional Court accepted an appeal to suspend logging permits for 748 trees in Playa Panamá, ordering immediate stoppage while judges review the case. Weather Watch: Tropical Wave No. 12 is expected to bring heavy rains and thunderstorms across multiple regions starting Tuesday. Sports (Costa Rica tie-in): FIFA named Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs for the World Cup’s 1,000th match Japan vs Tunisia in Monterrey, with Costa Rican Juan Calderón as fourth official.

Tourism Spotlight: Costa Rica is getting a big global push in Spain, with four major outlets (El País, Elle, Travel + Leisure, La Razón) highlighting it as a 2026 must-visit, while ICT data shows Spanish arrivals up 15.3% in the first five months of 2026. Security & Diplomacy: Authorities arrested a man over a suspected death threat to President Laura Fernández, and she was evacuated after a blast near an illegal mining zone; meanwhile, the U.S. avoided backing Fernández’s Nicaragua remarks and reiterated Ortega and Murillo pose a regional security threat. World Cup Moment (Local Tie-In): FIFA says Japan vs Tunisia will be the 1,000th World Cup match in Monterrey, with Costa Rican Juan Calderón as fourth official. Courts & Rights: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court halted retroactive CCSS collections from self-employed workers, and accepted an appeal to suspend logging permits for 748 trees in Playa Panamá. Weather Alert: Tropical Wave No. 12 is expected to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms across multiple regions this Tuesday. Prison Policy: Justice officials removed 263 microwaves from prisons and introduced tighter rules for extradition detainees, including secure visiting rooms and body cameras.

Security & Diplomacy: Costa Rica arrested a man over a suspected death threat to President Laura Fernández, who was evacuated after a blast was heard near an illegal mining area; separately, the U.S. declined to back Fernández’s comments on Nicaragua and reiterated that Ortega and Murillo pose a regional security threat. Tourism & Economy: Tourism is surging—Costa Rica logged 1.39 million air arrivals in Jan–May 2026 (+9.4%), while the government pushes an infrastructure push to match demand. Courts & Rights: The Constitutional Court halted retroactive CCSS collections from self-employed workers, and accepted an appeal to suspend logging permits for 748 trees in Playa Panamá. Environment & Weather: A Tropical Wave No. 12 is expected to bring heavy rains and thunderstorms across multiple regions. Justice & Prisons: Authorities removed 263 microwaves from prisons and tightened rules for inmates facing extradition, including secure visit rooms and body cameras. Business & Tech: Kölbi topped user experience rankings, and a Costa Rican firm was selected to lead an intellectual property practice group in a global legal alliance. Culture: Librería Lehmann will close after 130 years.

Tourism & Economy: Costa Rica is seeing eight straight months of air-arrival growth, with 1,390,842 visitors from January to May 2026 (+9.4%), and May alone bringing 195,571 arrivals as adventure travel keeps pulling demand. Security & Politics: Authorities arrested a man suspected of making a death threat against President Laura Fernández; no attack was reported, but she was evacuated after a blast near an illegal mining area. Regional Diplomacy: The U.S. said it won’t back Fernández’s comments about Nicaragua, reiterating that Ortega and Murillo pose a threat to regional security and human rights. Courts & Rights: The Constitutional Court halted retroactive CCSS collections from self-employed workers, and also accepted an appeal to suspend logging permits for 748 trees in Playa Panamá. Public Safety: New prison rules restrict physical contact for extradition detainees and require body cameras; officials also removed 263 microwaves from facilities. Weather Watch: Tropical Wave No. 12 is expected to bring heavy rains and thunderstorms across multiple regions starting Tuesday. Business & Exports: Costa Rica promoted value-added food products in South Korea, targeting hotels, restaurants, and catering buyers. Culture & Community: Librería Lehmann will close after 130 years, while Barrio Escalante hosts a Canadian Food Festival through June 28.

World Cup 2026 Milestone: FIFA confirmed Tunisia vs Japan at Monterrey Stadium will be the 1,000th match in World Cup history, with Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs in charge and Costa Ricans Juan Calderón and Juan Carlos Mora as fourth official and reserve assistant. Gulf of Papagayo Development: Costa Rica scrapped a contested building-rights transfer rule in the Papagayo tourism zone, removing the “density and coverage compensation” provision effective immediately. Social Security Court Ruling: Costa Rica’s Administrative Court halted CCSS retroactive collections from self-employed workers, saying the fund can’t base retroactive charges solely on income tax declarations. Prison Security Tightening: Authorities removed 263 microwaves from prisons and introduced stricter rules for inmates facing extradition, including secure visiting rooms and body cameras for officers. Weather & Safety: The IMN warned Tropical Wave No. 12 could bring heavy rains and thunderstorms across multiple regions. Search Update: A body was found in the area where missing California hiker Ashley Phillips vanished after severe weather; authorities have not confirmed it’s her. Regional Diplomacy: President Laura Fernández’s remarks on Nicaragua sparked backlash from former presidents and political figures, reigniting debate over democracy and human rights.

World Cup Milestone: FIFA has named Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs to officiate the 1,000th match in World Cup history, the Tunisia vs Japan Group F game at Monterrey Stadium, with Costa Ricans Juan Calderón (fourth official) and Juan Carlos Mora (reserve assistant). Severe Weather & Search: A body was found in the search area for missing California hiker Ashley Phillips, 30, who vanished after flooding and mudslides during a hike; authorities have not confirmed it’s her, and searches have been repeatedly paused due to dangerous conditions. Courts & Cost of Living: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court halted CCSS retroactive collections from self-employed workers, ruling the fund can’t base retroactive charges solely on income tax declarations. Public Safety in Prisons: Justice authorities removed 263 microwaves from prisons under new security rules, tightening what can enter facilities. Environment Watch: The Constitutional Court accepted an appeal to suspend logging permits for 748 trees in Playa Panamá, ordering immediate stoppage while judges review the case. Regional Diplomacy: President Laura Fernández’s comments on Nicaragua sparked backlash from former presidents and politicians, reigniting debate over democracy and human rights in the region. Tourism & Trade: Costa Rica boosts Asia ties with four companies at Seoul Food & Hotel 2026, while birdwatching keeps rising as a high-spend tourism niche.

World Cup Buzz: FIFA confirmed Tunisia vs Japan will be the 1,000th match in World Cup history at Monterrey Stadium, with Costa Rican Juan Calderón as fourth official. Local Justice: Costa Rica’s Administrative Court halted CCSS retroactive collections from self-employed workers, saying the fund can’t base retroactive charges just on income tax declarations. Public Safety: New prison security rules for extradition cases bar physical contact during visits and require body cameras for penitentiary officers. Weather Watch: Tropical Wave No. 12 is expected to bring heavy rains and thunderstorms across Costa Rica, with the North Pacific and Central Valley among the most affected. Environment & Courts: The Constitutional Court accepted an appeal to stop logging permits for 748 trees in Playa Panamá, ordering immediate suspension of the challenged activity. Search & Rescue: A body was found in the search for missing California hiker Ashley Phillips, though authorities have not confirmed it is her. Regional Diplomacy: President Laura Fernández’s comments on Nicaragua sparked backlash from former presidents and political figures, reigniting debate over democracy and human rights. Trade & Exports: Costa Rican companies promoted value-added food products at Seoul Food & Hotel 2026, targeting South Korea’s HORECA market.

Prison Security Overhaul: Costa Rica tightened rules for inmates facing extradition, banning physical contact during visits and requiring secure visiting rooms plus body cameras for penitentiary officers. Weather Alert: Tropical Wave No. 12 is expected to bring heavy rains and thunderstorms across Costa Rica this Tuesday, with the North Pacific and Nicoya hit hardest. Environment in Court: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court accepted an appeal to halt logging permits for 748 trees in Playa Panamá, ordering an immediate suspension while judges review the case. Prison Contraband Crackdown: Authorities removed 263 microwaves from prisons under new security controls on items entering facilities. Local Food Culture: Costa Rica’s farmers markets (ferias del agricultor) remain the top spot for seasonal local produce, with price comparisons often showing lower costs than supermarkets. Tourism & Governance: Barrio Escalante’s Canadian Food Festival runs June 12–28, while a new dispute at Punta Leona highlights ongoing beach access and parking tensions. Regional Politics: President Laura Fernández’s Nicaragua remarks continue to spark backlash from former presidents and lawmakers.

Historic Culture: Librería Lehmann will permanently close after 130 years in downtown San José, with the final day set for Saturday, June 20. Weather Watch: Tropical Wave No. 12 is expected to bring heavy rains and thunderstorms across Costa Rica this Tuesday, with the North Pacific and Nicoya hit hardest. Courts & Environment: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court accepted an appeal that suspends logging permits for 748 trees at Playa Panamá in Guanacaste. Public Safety & Prisons: Justice authorities removed 263 microwave ovens from prisons as part of tighter rules on what can enter facilities. Crime & Justice: Costa Rica arrested a man in Limón wanted by the U.S. for alleged cocaine trafficking, and courts cleared the last domestic hurdle for the extradition of “Macho Coca” to the U.S. Tourism & Business: ICT’s new tourism chief says he’ll cut red tape and push more flights, while birdwatching continues to grow as a major tourism niche. Regional Politics: President Laura Fernández defended a cordial stance toward Nicaragua, drawing sharp criticism from former leaders and Claudia Dobles.

Weather Alert: Tropical Wave No. 12 is set to hit Costa Rica this Tuesday, bringing heavy downpours, lightning, and thunderstorms across the North Pacific/Guanacaste, parts of the Central Valley, the Central and South Pacific, and the Caribbean/Northern mountainous areas. Courts & Environment: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court accepted an appeal to halt logging permits for 748 trees in Playa Panamá, ordering an immediate suspension while judges review the case. Public Safety & Justice: President Laura Fernández is pushing prison reform inspired by El Salvador’s “Zero Idleness” plan, while also criticizing the judiciary over releases of dangerous criminals and alleged prison impunity. Crime & International Cooperation: A Costa Rican man wanted by the U.S. for drug trafficking was arrested in Limón after a U.S. extradition request. Tourism & Business: The new ICT tourism chief says rules and permitting are being reviewed to speed investment and expand international flights. Regional Politics: Costa Rica’s leaders named Lina Eugenia Ajoy Rojas as SICA’s first Costa Rican and first woman Secretary General for 2026–2030. Human Stories: An American woman, Ashley Nicole Phillips, remains missing after severe weather during a hike, as searches are affected by ongoing storms.