Costa Rican authorities have dismantled a criminal network involved in the cloning of stolen vehicles originating in Panama. Four suspects were arrested in Heredia, Costa Rica, following an investigation by the OIJ (Organismo de Investigación Judicial). The group allegedly specialized in illegally replicating vehicle identification numbers, a practice known locally as “gemeleo” (twining). The illicit operation caused an estimated ¢100 million (approximately $165,000 USD) in damages. Authorities believe the cloned vehicles were then fraudulently registered and sold. The investigation spanned both Costa Rica and Panama, indicating a cross-border criminal enterprise. Further details regarding the specific methods used for cloning and the extent of the network are expected to be released as the investigation continues.