Costa Rica government used development bank funds for kickbacks

8/4/2025 7:03

Costa Rican officials awarded kickbacks to a top government ally using funds from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), prosecutors alleged on Monday, filing charges against the president and a top minister.



The attorney general's office said that a former presidential adviser, Federico Cruz, was paid $32,000 to buy a house through funds awarded by the CABEI.



The CABEI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.



Cruz is already under criminal investigation, prosecutors said, along with the head of a communications firm contracted by the Costa Rican government, which allegedly led the dealings.



Reuters was not able to immediately contact Cruz for comment.