In a significant development, four individuals have been arrested and charged in Independence Village, Belize, for their alleged involvement in the commercial sexual exploitation of a female minor. The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs confirmed the charges in a press release issued on November 20, 2025. The accused include Belizean nationals Oscar Diaz, Maria Arias, Ramona Cucul, and Guatemalan national Gloria Rodriguez. They face charges of facilitating child prostitution and were arraigned in the Independence Magistrate Court. All four were released on bail set at $6,000 plus one surety, with the case adjourned to February 11, 2026. This incident highlights a broader issue in Belize, where human trafficking remains a pressing concern. In 2024 alone, police investigated 18 cases of human trafficking, with seven out of eight ongoing cases involving women, four of whom were minors. The Ministry has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected trafficking activities to authorities. Reports can be made to the police at 911, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons (ATIP) unit, the Department of Human Services, or Crime Stoppers Belize at 922.