Latest news with #CABEI
CNA
4 days ago
- Politics
- CNA
Costa Rica's top court calls for President Chaves to stand trial on corruption charges
SAN JOSE: Costa Rica's highest court on Tuesday (Jul 1) asked the country's legislature to strip President Rodrigo Chaves of his immunity from prosecution so he can stand trial on corruption charges. Costa Rica's attorney general's office in April alleged that members of Chaves' government awarded kickbacks to a top government ally using funds from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). In an extraordinary session, the court also requested Culture Minister Jorge Rodriguez, who previously acted as communication minister, stand trial in the same case. Costa Rica's National Assembly is controlled by opposition lawmakers. Chaves and Rodriguez face between two to eight years in prison if convicted. They both have denied the accusations. The attorney general's office said that a former presidential adviser was paid US$32,000 with funds awarded by CABEI.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Costa Rica government used development bank funds for kickbacks, prosecutor alleges
SAN JOSE (Reuters) -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. According to investigators, officials held several meetings at the presidential palace to hash out the deal. Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves and Culture Minister Jorge Rodriguez, who previously acted as communication minister, face between two to eight years in prison if convicted, prosecutors added. The president's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
