Guatemalan Embassy discovers stolen vehicles

The Guatemalan Embassy is warning Belizeans to be very careful when purchasing any 1999 vehicle from Guatemala since it may be stolen. Consular official to Belize Carlos Raul Morales told News Five that several weeks ago he saw a number of Toyota Land Cruisers and other vehicles with Guatemalan plates in the customs compound and became curious. He took down the VIN numbers and crossed checked them with authorities in Guatemala City who informed him they had all been stolen. So far he has been able to contact three of the owners, two of whom came to Belize and attempted to get back their vehicles but left after several days of frustration. Morales says he has contacted the Customs Department as well as the Solicitor General Gian Ghandi who has informed him that the owners must submit copies of their Guatemalan registration, statements to police when the vehicles were stolen and obtain an indemnity insurance policy before the vehicles can be returned. While the Guatemalan Embassy will continue the process of trying to get the stolen vehicles back to their rightful owners, Morales says any Belizean who would like to check on the history of a car or truck with Guatemalan plates can call them with the VIN number and they will cross check it with the police data base in Guatemala. Customs officials in Melchor De Mencos have also been advised to double check any new or luxury vehicle being brought to Belize, no matter how legitimate the paperwork being presented by the importer appears. The list of 1999 vehicles reported stolen in Guatemala include Toyota Forerunners and Land Cruisers, Nissan Pathfinders, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Mitsubishi pickups, Nativas and Monteros. It has been confirmed to News Five that a number of the stolen vehicles are awaiting re-export to third countries.