Belize: Former UDP Minister Montero used public money to build "private farm", face criminal charges

An arrest warrant has been signed in the name of former Government Minister Rene Jaime Montero. He has been charged with Willful Oppression, where the current government accused him of using political and governmental influence and powers to injure the public.

Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing Julius Espat stated that Former Minister Montero was directly involved in corruption. He said the investigations confirmed that minister. Montero used heavy equipment personnel and fuel from the Ministry to develop his private farms over some three and half years at significant expense to the public.

He said public officers of the Ministry of work facilitated Montero with the resources and assisted him in prolonged abuse of power, exploitation of public resources.

"Minister Montero used fuel, heavy equipment from the ministry to develop his private farms, causing huge expense to the public," said Minister Julius Espat.

Julius Espat stated despite being aware; no public officer came forward to report the misconduct. He said this demonstrative of the extent of the corruption of the past UDP administration. He said under the law, both criminal and civil proceedings will be carried out on Montero, which will also take the form of a civil suit.

Espat said the charges had been made under the "Public Lives Act" and close most clearly amongst the corruption and oppression in public office in breach of section 284 of the criminal code that carries a penalty of up to two years in prison.