Costa Rican authorities monitoring Belgian man ahead of Obama visit

May 2^nd, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com) Agents of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) are on the trail of a Belgian citizen residing in Costa Rica, identified as Rafael Pablo Cloesen, who they believe may have plans to cause problems during the visit of U.S. President, Barack Obama.

Authorities say that the man has been identified and is believed to be intent on causing conflict, demonstrations, protests, or possible violence during the visit of the U.S. President.

“This is a person we have identified, along with others.  They are responsible for creating unrest and making homemade weapons.  […] He has great influence over this group,” said Jose Andrade, director of the Fuerza Publica.

An intelligence officer from DIS said they have identified the Belgian as a “person of interest, ahead of the visit of the President of the United States.”

Authorities admitted, however, that there is not currently an arrest warrant pending against the man, but is simply a person of interest.

“We have a photo of this person should any situation arise,” Andrade said.

Authorities said that the man’s Costa Rican residency card expired on December 12^th, 2012.

DIS sources have confirmed that they have spoken with the U.S. Secret Service regarding groups of possible interest.