FTC Sends $23 Million in Refunds to Sanctuary Belize Investors

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a new round of refunds totaling nearly $23 million to consumers who purchased real estate lots at the overseas developments known as Sanctuary Belize and Kanantik.  According to the FTC, 1,659 checks are being mailed nationwide. The agency says this represents the second distribution of funds to investors who were affected by what regulators previously described as a deceptive real estate marketing scheme.  The case stems from a 2018 federal complaint against developer Andris Pukke and several related companies. U.S. regulators alleged the group used aggressive telemarketing and misleading promotional claims to market lots in Sanctuary Belize, which was advertised as a high-end luxury resort community in southern Belize.  Investigators said buyers were promised major amenities, including an international airport, hospital, and luxury infrastructure, that either failed to materialize or were significantly delayed. Many purchasers reportedly struggled to resell their properties and suffered financial losses.  The litigation culminated in a ruling by the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, which found the defendants liable and ordered monetary relief for consumers. That judgment was later upheld by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, clearing the way for ongoing restitution payments.  Sanctuary Belize, sometimes marketed under related brand names, had attracted hundreds of mostly U.S. investors over the years. The FTC has repeatedly used the case to warn consumers about overseas real estate promotions that rely heavily on guaranteed-return claims and high-pressure sales tactics.  Today’s announcement marks another step in the long-running effort to compensate affected buyers, though regulators note that total consumer losses in the case were significantly higher than the funds currently being returned.