Five Israeli tourists were tied up and robbed at gunpoint by masked gang members in Costa Rica on Sunday night, according to Hebrew media reports.
The incident occurred in Santa Teresa on the Pacific Ocean side of the country, nearly 100 miles west of the capital San José.
The assailants broke into the Israelis’ rented villa, with an unverified video purportedly showing the victims lying on the ground in bathing suits with their hands and feet bound as the gang members moved around them.
After an investigation, it was confirmed that the motive was criminal and that the Israelis were not harmed.
Channel 12 reported that the robbers were aware that one of the Israelis was carrying tens of thousands of dollars in cash withdrawn for the trip. According to a local police investigation, the culprits planned the robbery ahead of time, following the group for several days.
A source familiar with the incident told Channel 12 that the area is relatively safe, but that the robbers decided to commit the act knowing how much money was involved. The source added that some of the Israelis tried to resist.
The Israeli consul in Costa Rica was updated on the details and was in contact with the victims and their families as well as local law enforcement. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it was aware of the incident and that it was being investigated.
“The robbery in Costa Rica is known to the Foreign Ministry, it has ended, and the matter is being handled by the consul and the department for Israelis abroad,” a statement read.
