Panama Papers: Probe announced for Costa Ricans revealed in data leak

Costa Ricans named in the "Panama Papers" leak that disclosed the offshore financial dealings of the world's wealthy will be scrutinized for any criminal or tax-dodging activity, officials have announced.

State prosecutors and the finance ministry are teaming up to tackle the matter, the Public Ministry yesterday said in a statement.

At the same time, a special commission including the public and finance ministries and the police will meet next week to define their lines of action.

The Costa Rican government has seized upon the scandal to urge lawmakers to pass a series of laws on tax reform.

It particularly wants to see one adopted that demands partners and ultimate owners of anonymous companies be registered -- something that has met with resistance from some corporate and political figures.