A significant security breach has rocked Belize’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, prompting direct intervention from Prime Minister John Briceño. The escalating crisis involves sophisticated credit card fraud operations allegedly originating from within the sector itself, with multiple companies reporting substantial financial losses.
The investigation gained urgency after a second private company came forward detailing thousands of dollars lost to an elaborate scam. Evidence suggests BPO employees have been circumventing PCI compliance protocols by smuggling mobile phones into secure workstations to capture customers’ sensitive financial information.
KwiqPass, a prominent ticketing application platform, emerged as a primary victim of these fraudulent activities. Company representatives disclosed over $30,000 in illegitimate credit card transactions occurring within a two-year period. Detailed forensic analysis revealed a pattern of targeted attacks, including forty chargeback purchases for VIP tickets to the Belize International Music and Food Festival using a single compromised Chase Bank card.
The fraud operation extended beyond concert tickets, encompassing semi-professional basketball games, special events in Corozal, and regional boxing matches. Investigators identified a consistent pattern of fraudulent purchases linked to a fake identity under the surname Atieno, totaling approximately $10,000 in additional losses.
In response to these security breaches, KwiqPass has implemented enhanced verification protocols that automatically flag and block suspicious transactions in real-time. This proactive measure aims to protect both event promoters and consumers from further financial harm.
Prime Minister Briceño acknowledged the gravity of the situation while emphasizing the government’s commitment to preserving the industry’s stability. “We have a responsibility to ensure we can keep these companies here and protect their interests,” Briceño stated, confirming collaboration with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to address systemic vulnerabilities.
Industry observers note the potential catastrophic consequences if security concerns persist. Delroy Fairweather of KwiqPass warned that continued breaches could trigger widespread distrust, potentially leading to BPO closures and significant job losses throughout Belize.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to convene with ministry officials to develop strengthened security frameworks for the sector. The Belize BPO Association has not yet issued an official statement regarding the ongoing investigation.