In a developing case that has drawn international attention, Nicaraguan refugee Eric Omar Hernández Cruz has come forward with new allegations regarding a scam that left him facing death threats in Belize. Cruz, who fled the country earlier this year, claims he was defrauded while attempting to secure legal status. According to Cruz, he and another individual paid $500 each to two men who allegedly promised them “amnesty documents.” These men were reportedly linked to the Human Rights Commission of Belize (HRCB) and Help for Progress, an NGO partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Both individuals have since been dismissed from their respective organizations, though neither has faced criminal charges, with their terminations officially attributed to funding cuts. Enrique August, Executive Director of Help for Progress, confirmed that one of the accused was employed by the NGO but stated the dismissal was unrelated to the allegations. August emphasized that Help for Progress does not issue immigration documents and only provides limited financial assistance for transportation or basic needs. Cruz reported receiving death threats starting in February 2025, shortly after the men were terminated. Despite suspecting the dismissed individuals, Cruz admitted uncertainty about the source of the threats. The case remains under investigation, with Part 4 of the series expected to provide further updates.
