Costa Rica is tops in illicit transactions

During the decade 2004-2013, Costa Rica had more illicit transactions than any country in the region, according to Global Financial Integrity.

Costa Rica's total for the period was $113 billion, with $21 billion in 2013 alone.

Honduras was second in the isthmus, with $47 billion, while El Salvador at $17 billion was the most transparent.

Funds attributable to bribery, embezzlement, money laundering, drug trafficking, human trafficking, smuggling and counterfeiting are included in the calculation of illicit financial flows.

Central America is the subregion with the highest level of illicit transactions, expressed as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product, according to the report (countries are listed in order of the value of illicit flow of funds in the period 2004-2013, expressed in US$ billions).


1     Costa Rica        113

2     Honduras          47

3     Nicaragua        30

4     Guatemala        21

5     Panama        20

6     El Salvador       17