By Breaking Belize News Staff: An immigration officer has been charged with extortion following allegations that he collected $6,000 from a shipping agent in Independence but the money was never received by the relevant authorities.
Police say the complaint was made by a female shipping agent following an incident on September 8.
According to investigators, the woman was approached by an immigration officer who requested $6,000 in relation to six persons who were aboard a vessel at Big Creek Port.
Police say the captain of the vessel had been charged in relation to customs matters while the six persons remained aboard.
The shipping agent reportedly made arrangements and paid the immigration officer $6,000 but was not issued a receipt.
She later contacted another person to verify whether the payment had been received and was informed that no payment had been recorded.
A police report was subsequently made.
Investigators say surveillance footage was obtained and other evidence gathered, leading to the arrest and charge of an immigration officer identified during Monday’s briefing as Ruben Rena for extortion.
Police also revealed that an alleged threat was made to the complainant indicating that if she gave a statement, “the matter would not be left like that.”
Investigators say that allegation remains under investigation and additional charges could be considered if warranted.
The accused is expected to be taken before the court.
The post Immigration officer charged with extortion after allegedly collecting $6,000 without issuing receipt appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: An immigration officer has been charged with extortion following allegations that he collected $6,000 from a shipping agent in Independence but the money was never received by the relevant authorities. Police say the complaint was made by a female shipping agent following an incident on September 8. According to investigators,
The post Immigration officer charged with extortion after allegedly collecting $6,000 without issuing receipt appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
