Bookkeeper Charged After $152K Missing From Government Program

Police have formally arrested and charged 39-year-old bookkeeper Jason Alexander Budna with three counts of theft in connection with the misappropriation of more than $152,000 from a government program.  The investigation began on Monday, April 7, after 47-year-old Carlos Pol, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Economic Transformation, reported that funds were missing from the Resilient Rural Belize Programme, which operates under his ministry. An independent audit was launched, and auditors later confirmed that a total of $152,654 BZD had been unlawfully diverted.   According to police, the missing funds were traced to three separate bank accounts, one in Budna’s name and two others believed to belong to his relatives. Evidence linking the transactions to these accounts ultimately led investigators to recommend criminal charges.  Earlier today, Budna was officially arrested and charged for the offenses. Police say the investigation remains ongoing as they determine whether any additional persons should be brought in for questioning.