Costa Rica moves to prevent gang threat

Subject

Security concerns.

Significance

Although Costa Rica has long avoided the crime problems of its northern neighbours, a report released in June by its Judicial Investigation Agency found that the number of criminal groups operating in the country has increased over the last decade, with members of gangs (or 'maras') from the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador establishing a presence in Costa Rica. While the country remains one of the safest in the region, mara activity has had an impact on crime levels, pushing the government to take action.

Impacts

• Increased mara activity may cause conflict with local gangs, particularly in urban areas.
• Initial successes in dismantling gangs may encourage other groups to try to fill the power vacuum.
• Pre-emptive action will slow the development of organised crime, but could encourage gangs to move to neighbouring countries.