Carlos Pascal, president of Limon F.C. -a Caribbean football team that has played in the First Division in Costa Rica- is scheduled to stand trial starting today and through the end of August. Mr. Pascal faces criminal charges of laundering more than $30 million over the last few years, according to a news report published by online newspaper Costa Rica Hoy earlier today.

An investigation conducted by the Financial Crimes Unit and the Office of the Prosecutor Against Organized Crime indicated that Mr. Pascal’s numerous businesses reported considerable earnings, even though these businesses were often devoid of customers. The holdings of Mr. Pascal include the Limon F.C. football team, two restaurants, one casino, and one bar. Among the statements that will be read as part of the charges against Mr. Pascal today, a particular investigative report is bound to stand out: in a single day, undercover agents monitoring the casino observed a single patron enter and remain for two hours, and yet the earnings reported that night were greater than eight million colones (about $16,000).

The allegations were announced by Mauricio Boraschi, commissioner of anti-narcotics operations in Costa Rica. Mr. Boraschi explained that the case:

“[…] is one of the most anticipated we have. We are dealing with money laundering tied to illicit activity conducted in foreign country, specifically fraud, larceny and even homicides planned as hits.”

Prosecutors filed a complaint at the end of 2011 against Mr. Pascal due to irregularities in receiving monies from the United States to Costa Rica, as well as the investment of those funds. According to the Ministry of Public Safety, Mr. Pascal may have handled up to $30 million from a business entity registered in the United States. One of the principals of the company is a half brother of Mr. Pascal. The businessman in question has been incarcerated since 2010 in New York due to illegal firearm possession, and is suspected to have taken part in cigarette smuggling operation in that state.

Mr. Boraschi added that the case has been complex and has involved the assistance of foreign law enforcement agencies. Mr. Pascal’s attorney stated that his client’s half brother has been cleared of all the crimes that are also alleged against Mr. Pascal. He added that the money received by his client is not the product of serious criminal activities. Law enforcement agents from the United States are expected to testify at Mr. Pascal’s trial.