License database exploited in money laundering scheme

The FIU is also investigating a case of identity theft in which the personal information of hundreds of persons was stolen. The scam which was recently uncovered, allegedly involved accessing private data from the Traffic Department’s driver’s license database and the forging of signatures to send and receive funds. Though she could not discuss the case in detail, the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit whose name was also used in the scam, says that her department is working hard to successfully prosecute the case.

Marilyn Williams, Director, Financial Intelligence Unit (Via Phone)
“We have been from the outset very mindful of the fact that the identities of Belizeans were being abused; being used without their permission. And while we recognized as Belizean citizens are concerned, we certainly understand it and we would like to give the public our promise that this is no longer going to happen. This is the reason why we moved as swiftly as we did back in January in terms of going into the premises and in shutting down the business. This way I can say to the people that certainly with respect to the money laundering, folks that this matter is no longer being perpetuated.”

Jose Sanchez
“Aside from the case, the whole idea of identity theft, how does it affect the people whose names were used? Can it affect them when they do other transactions in the future?”

Marilyn Williams
“Well, you know, with the advent of internet, it is difficult to control what goes on in cyberspace. All I can say to you at this point is with respect to these defendants, that their activities have been shut down. And I don’t see that there is any reason why anyone else would want to be using the identities off the citizens that were involved but I cannot make any guarantees. “

Earlier this year, the MoneyGram sub-agency on Cemetery Road, was closed down by the F.I.U. This follows the discovery in December of one point five million dollars found in the residence of the Coye family who operated the agency. Michael and Merlene Coye along with their daughter Melanie and her husband James Gerou were arrested and charged with Money Laundering.