In a significant move to combat financial crimes, the Mexican government has closed 13 casinos following a joint investigation by the Ministry of Finance and the national security agency. The probe uncovered suspicious cash operations, international money transfers, and unregulated online gambling platforms suspected of facilitating money laundering. Authorities have frozen accounts, suspended operations, and filed formal complaints with the Attorney General’s Office. President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the need to modernize Mexico’s outdated casino and digital betting laws, highlighting the growing prevalence of online gambling and its potential misuse for illicit activities. Meanwhile, Belize is also revisiting its gambling regulations. The Senate debated the Gaming and Lotteries Control Bill 2025, aimed at modernizing and consolidating the country’s gambling laws. However, after a heated discussion, senators decided to delay the bill for further refinement. Senator Louis Wade urged caution, citing unresolved issues in the proposed legislation, including loopholes exposed by recent investigations into Caribi Bleu Casino and the ongoing Rima Ray case. Both nations are grappling with the challenges of regulating an evolving gambling industry while addressing concerns of financial misconduct.
标签： Belize
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No More Paper! SSB Plans to Go Fully Digital with Sickness Benefit Claims
The Social Security Board (SSB) has announced a significant shift in its operations, moving all sickness benefit claims to a fully digital platform starting December 1st, 2025. This transition will require all claims to be submitted online through the My Social Security portal, marking the end of paper-based submissions for this benefit.
Vaessa Vellos, SSB’s Communications and PR Manager, explained that the decision follows nearly a year of internal testing and user feedback. ‘We believe the system is now robust enough to take this next step in our journey towards full online submission for sickness benefit claims,’ Vellos stated.
Previously, the process involved manual form filling, visits to HR departments, doctor consultations, and in-person document submissions. The new system streamlines this by allowing employees, employers, and doctors to complete their portions of the claim electronically. ‘Now, you control the narrative. With your portal account, you can handle all aspects of the claim online,’ Vellos added.
The SSB aims to process and pay sickness benefits within three business days under the new system. ‘Isn’t their time more valuable than standing in line?’ Vellos remarked.
For those less comfortable with technology, Vellos assured that customer service agents are available to assist with navigating the portal. The board currently processes approximately 5,600 sickness claims each month, with over 70,000 users already registered on the portal. SSB also plans to move retirement and maternity benefits online in the near future.
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Wet Weather to Linger Over Belize Through Friday
Belize is set to experience continued wet and unstable weather conditions through Friday, with the National Meteorological Service predicting widespread rain and isolated thunderstorms. Over the next two days, the country will see mostly cloudy to overcast skies, with light to moderate rainfall intensifying into heavy showers, particularly in northern regions during the morning hours. By the afternoon and evening, rainfall is expected to increase again, with isolated thunderstorms likely in northern and central areas. Friday will maintain similar patterns, with scattered showers and thunderstorms concentrated in the north and central zones. Despite the persistent rain, the tropical outlook remains calm, with no tropical cyclones forecasted in the North Atlantic that could threaten Belize or its coastal waters in the coming days.
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Budna Case Before DPP; It Exposes Gaps in Law Enforcement
The Joseph Budna abduction case, which began with a Facebook Live broadcast on August 22, 2025, has escalated into an international scandal, revealing significant flaws in law enforcement. Budna, known for his outspoken social media presence, went live from Orange Walk Town, directly in front of the police station, before being abducted by three men and forced into a sky-blue SUV. Witnesses reported the incident occurred just steps away from the station. The following day, photos emerged from Guatemala showing Budna in custody, raising questions about how he was transported across the border so swiftly. In a leaked audio clip, Budna claimed that masked men, allegedly police officers, assaulted him, taped his mouth, and transported him to Arenal Village. Three weeks later, no suspects have been arrested, and the investigation has been plagued by missing surveillance footage, incomplete reports, and growing public outrage. Prime Minister Briceño criticized the initial police report as ‘unsatisfactory,’ leading to Commissioner Rosado being placed on leave amid suspicions of police involvement. The case file has now been handed to Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, who described it as ‘less than nothing,’ indicating significant deficiencies. The DPP’s office is currently reviewing the file, but no arrests are imminent, leaving the public with more questions than answers.
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BDF Soldier, Cop Found Guilty in 2021 Escobar Shooting Cover-Up
In a landmark ruling, a Belize Defense Force (BDF) soldier and a police officer have been found guilty of obstructing justice in the 2021 shooting death of BDF soldier Jessie Escobar. The verdict was delivered on November 12, 2025, in the Magistrate’s Court. BDF Private Ramon Alberto Alcoser and Police Corporal Juan Carlos Moralez were convicted of perverting the course of justice by providing false statements about the events of September 5, 2021, in Santa Familia, where Escobar was fatally shot. The Senior Magistrate determined that their accounts were inconsistent with the evidence, despite their claims of trauma and pressure. Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, who led the prosecution, argued that the defendants deliberately misled investigators. The magistrate concurred, stating that their statements were fabricated and given while the events were still fresh. Both men were remanded to Belize Central Prison and are scheduled for sentencing on December 4. Defense attorney Marcel Cardona expressed shock at the verdict but respected the decision. Vidal emphasized the importance of the ruling, highlighting the need for accountability among law enforcement officers. The case underscores the critical role of evidence in ensuring justice, particularly in cases involving alleged misconduct by those in positions of authority.
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DJ Khris Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run of Veteran Cop
In a tragic incident that shook the community, Police Constable Arcenio Cus, a 38-year-old veteran officer with nearly two decades of service, lost his life in a hit-and-run accident on July 28, 2025. The incident occurred on the Philip Goldson Highway near Mile Six, as Cus was returning home to Belize City after completing his shift at the Ladyville Police Station. Riding his motorcycle, he was struck by a black vehicle that fled the scene without stopping. Despite being rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), Cus succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. More than three months later, a significant breakthrough emerged in the case. On November 11, 2025, Khris Rosado, a 34-year-old prominent DJ and businessman, was formally charged with Manslaughter by Negligence, Causing Death by Careless Conduct, and Failing to Stop and Report an Accident. Rosado had voluntarily surrendered to authorities the day after the crash. Known for his contributions to the music and business sectors, Rosado now faces serious legal repercussions. Cus, remembered as the ‘Most Outstanding Field Training Officer,’ leaves behind a legacy of dedication and service. The case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the need for accountability and justice in such devastating incidents.
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Five-Year Schengen Visas Now Available to Belizeans
In a landmark development for Belizean travelers, the European Commission has approved a significant visa facilitation agreement for Belizean nationals holding biometric passports. This new arrangement allows Belizeans to obtain five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas, eliminating the need for frequent reapplications. The Schengen Area, comprising 29 European countries with no internal border controls, will now be more accessible to Belizean citizens, whether they hold regular, official, or diplomatic passports. Applications can be processed at Schengen embassies in neighboring countries such as Guatemala or Mexico. This policy marks the most generous visa framework the European Union has extended to any third country, underscoring the robust diplomatic ties between Belize and the EU. Belize’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Francis Fonseca, confirmed the news, emphasizing the potential benefits for tourism, business, education, and cross-border family connections. The move also reflects the EU’s confidence in Belizean travelers, who are not perceived as a security risk. This development is expected to foster stronger cultural and economic exchanges between Belize and Europe.
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Church and Business Senators Back Migrant Pact
In a surprising turn of events, Belizean Senators Kevin Herrera and Louis Wade have cast their votes in favor of the Safe Third Country Agreement with the United States, sparking widespread debate and speculation. The agreement, which designates Belize as a ‘safe third country,’ mandates that Central American migrants denied entry into the U.S. under former President Trump’s stringent immigration policies can now seek asylum in Belize. This decision has stirred political circles, particularly due to Herrera’s unexpected support, given his previous stance on sovereignty and immigration challenges. Church Senator Louis Wade, however, remained steadfast in his endorsement, emphasizing the humanitarian and logical merits of the pact. Herrera’s sudden shift has raised questions about the underlying motivations and timing of his decision. Critics argue that Belize risks becoming a ‘logistical backwater’ for U.S. immigration issues, while supporters highlight the nation’s capacity to provide refuge. The vote underscores the delicate balance between national sovereignty and international cooperation in addressing migration crises.
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Farmer Killed in Tragic Tractor Mishap in Blue Creek
A devastating incident in Blue Creek Village has left the tight-knit farming community in mourning. On November 12, 2025, 57-year-old farmer Peter Dyck tragically lost his life in a fatal accident involving a tractor mower. According to authorities, Dyck was working in an open field with his 15-year-old son, who was operating the heavy machinery. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Dyck attempted to climb onto the moving bush hog but slipped and fell, ultimately being run over by the equipment. Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to Northern Regional Hospital, Dyck succumbed to his injuries. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the inherent risks associated with farming machinery. Local officials and agricultural experts are emphasizing the critical need for stringent safety protocols and proper training to prevent such tragedies in the future. Dyck’s untimely death serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those in the agricultural sector.
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Skeletal Remains Found in Orange Walk
A harrowing discovery has shaken the Orange Walk District in northern Belize. On the morning of November 12, 2025, human skeletal remains were found in an advanced state of decomposition inside a small wooden structure near the Orange Walk Bypass. The grim find was initially reported by a passerby at approximately 9 a.m., prompting law enforcement to secure the scene and launch a comprehensive investigation. Authorities arrived around 10 a.m. and confirmed the presence of the remains, which were located half a mile off the main road. The identity of the deceased remains unknown, but police have announced plans to conduct DNA testing to uncover crucial details. This unsettling discovery has left the community grappling with unanswered questions: How long had the body been there? What were the circumstances surrounding the individual’s death? Investigators are diligently working to piece together the puzzle. As the case unfolds, the Orange Walk community anxiously awaits further updates on this disturbing incident.