Police Still Investigating Missing Exhibit Money

The investigation surrounding the disappearance of twenty-one thousand dollars connected to the Belize Police Department is reportedly ongoing.  As first reported by Love News on May 22, preliminary information initially suggested that the funds had disappeared from the exhibit room attached to the Queen Street Police Station. However, further checks conducted during the nationwide police audit later revealed that there was no official record showing the money had ever been formally deposited into the exhibit room after it was seized during a 2023 criminal investigation.  Investigators now believe the discrepancy may have originated within the Belize City CIB office itself shortly after the cash was confiscated. The findings have raised serious concerns over the chain of custody for exhibits and whether established protocols were bypassed.  Today, ASP Stacy Smith confirmed that the investigation remains active and says police are continuing efforts to determine exactly who last had possession of the money before it disappeared.

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “As a part of the auditing that was done at the CIB discovery was made that some sums of money was unaccounted for and that is the matter of an ongoing investigation. I believe it’s something around that yes,  just over $20,000. It’s an ongoing investigation. The members of the Professional Standards Branch are reviewing the matter, a number of statements have been recorded as the investigation continues. I believe it was some time earlier this year it was a sum of money that was seized as a part of an investigation that dates back to 2023.”

The matter forms part of the first comprehensive nationwide audit ordered by Commissioner of Police Richard Rosado since taking office last year. The audit is examining exhibit rooms, accountability measures, and evidence-handling procedures across police formations countrywide.  Up to news time, no criminal charges had been announced, and police have not confirmed whether any officers have been suspended in connection with the missing funds investigation.