Costa Rican Prosecutors Order Raids of President’s Offices for Data Privacy Investigation

The Attorney General’s Office of Costa Rica directed on Friday ten simultaneous raids on areas that included the headquarters of the Costa Rican Presidency and the Ministry of National Planning.

The attorney general’s office stated that President Carlos Alvarado, together with seven officials, were under investigation for their connection with the creation of the Presidential Data Analysis Unit (UPAD).

The investigation was initiated after the publication on Feb. 17 of a decree that sought to formalize the creation of UPAD.

The decree included an article that stated UPAD would have access to citizens’ “confidential” data, which caused a public outcry.

The Costa Rican government later called the inclusion of the article an “error” and redacted it.

Nevertheless, the country’s Public Ethics Office (PEP) and three citizens presented a complaint against the creation of the unit and requested an investigation.

The Public Ministry said in a release that UPAD claimed to be dedicated to compiling and analyzing data on “the alleged execution of public policies, apparently without any legal support.”

The Legislative Assembly has decided to create a special investigatory commission to look into the projects carried out by UPAD.

Minister of Communication Nancy Marin stated that the government will comply with any requests from the attorney general’s office during the investigation. (Xinjua)