Costa Rica Footballer Carlos Barahona Detained Over Illegal Loan Scheme
Carlos Barahona Detained in Costa Rica Over Illegal Loan Investigation
Costa Rican national team footballer Carlos Barahona was taken into custody by judicial police during pre-dawn raids in Cartago on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, as part of an investigation into illegal high-interest microloans known as “gota a gota.” According to the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), the Club Sport Cartaginés defender was among four individuals detained during two morning raids following an extortion complaint.
The Investigation Into the Los Gery Structure
Authorities suspect Barahona of belonging to a criminal network identified as Los Gery, which is linked to predatory lending schemes, and the OIJ is investigating the suspects for extortion, threats, and illicit association tied to aggressive debt-collection tactics. The raids occurred less than 24 hours after Barahona started for Club Sport Cartaginés in a 3-1 victory over Puntarenas FC under Guatemalan coach Amarini Villatoro.
| Event Detail | Recorded Fact |
|---|---|
| Date of Detention | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 |
| Location of Raids | Tejar de Cartago, Costa Rica |
| Previous Match | October 13, 2026 (Cartaginés vs. Puntarenas FC) |
| Investigating Agency | Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) |
Club Sport Cartaginés and Managerial Reactions
Club Sport Cartaginés issued an official statement following the arrest, noting respect for due process while confirming that management will monitor the investigation before making decisions regarding the player’s status. The club stated that no further declarations will be made at this time regarding potential sporting sanctions or Barahona’s immediate contract continuation.
“Mientras no sea juzgado y no se le declare culpable, es inocente. Todo lo demás que se hable son chismes. Los chismes sí que me molestan. Qué pereza con eso, los vomito,” stated Deportivo Saprissa coach Hernán Medford regarding the situation.
The case continues to develop as the OIJ processes evidence gathered from the Cartago properties.
