OIJ carries out massive operation against driver’s license forgers

November 8th, 2012 (InsideCostaRica.com) The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) carried out a massive operation yesterday morning against a group of people that supposedly forged and sold driver’s licenses.

101 arrest warrants were issued against 95 people who bought the driver’s licenses, 4 police officers and 2 employees of the Road Security Council (COSEVI, in Spanish).

The operation ended with the arrest of several MOPT (Public Works and Transportation Ministry) officials, and at least 57 people were transferred to the District Attorney to face charges.

Allan Fonseca, director of OIJ, stated that the operation was the result of reports and complaints that had been filed.

The operation was nationwide, and fake driver’s licenses were found in San Jose, Alajuela, Heredia, and Cartago. Besides the COSEVI offices, a clinic that issued out medical reports for driver’s licenses was raided in La Uruca, as well as homes in San Pablo and Desamparados.

Fonseca explained that the group forged foreign driver’s licenses, which could later be used to obtain a Costa Rican license without having to take the exams.  This was apparently done with the knowledge and assistance of COSEVI and MOPT officials.

The group charged between $500 and $600.