OIJ Director Randall Zúñiga Under Investigation for Sexual Assault in Costa Rica

Investigation Launched Against OIJ Director

Randall Zúñiga López, the director of Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), is currently under a criminal investigation following allegations of sexual assault and abuse. The Public Ministry confirmed on Monday, October 27, 2025, that a formal complaint was filed on Friday, October 24, 2025, by an adult woman. The alleged incidents reportedly took place in January 2025 in the Corredores area of Costa Rica.

The case, identified under expediente 25-000359-1883-PE, is being handled by the Gender Unit of the Corredores Deputy Prosecutor's Office, with oversight from the Gender Deputy Prosecutor's Office. The investigation is receiving support from the OIJ's Specialized Section on Gender Violence, which has already undertaken initial evidence-gathering procedures.

Suspension and Official Statements

In response to the serious allegations, the Supreme Court of Justice held an extraordinary session on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, and ordered the provisional suspension of Director Zúñiga for 15 business days with pay. This measure aims to facilitate the collection of evidence for both the criminal and disciplinary investigations. Reports indicate that the investigation involves at least three, and potentially up to five, alleged cases of sexual offenses, including rape.

Zúñiga, 49, has publicly 'categorically rejected' the charges, asserting his innocence and stating his full cooperation with the judicial process. He stated, 'I put myself at the disposal of the justice administration system, always under the principle of presumption of innocence, in which no one is guilty just because they have a complaint against them.' He also confirmed his decision to step aside from any involvement in the investigation to ensure transparency, noting that he even delivered his cell phone powered on to expedite the process. Zúñiga described his suspension as 'opportune' and 'appropriate,' believing it allows the process to continue unimpeded. He has also suggested that the case might be a 'political attack' and that some circulating images are false.

Context and Further Developments

The Public Ministry has emphasized that Zúñiga, despite his high-ranking position, does not possess any special immunity or jurisdiction, and the investigation will proceed under ordinary legal procedures with specialized prosecutorial personnel. The victim is receiving interdisciplinary support, including risk assessment and psychological care, from the Office for the Assistance and Protection of Victims of Crime, in accordance with Law 8720 for the protection of victims of sexual crimes and gender-based violence.

The OIJ, established in 1973, functions as an auxiliary body to the Criminal Courts and the Public Ministry, responsible for conducting criminal investigations to ensure impartiality and objectivity. Zúñiga was ratified as the OIJ director by the Corte Plena in August 2023, after serving in various roles within the institution since 2003.