It made headlines when the FIU brought 79 charges under the Money Laundering Act personally against Belize Bank President, Phil Johnson. But we can’t say that anymore because those charges have been dropped. This afternoon, a new private prosecutor retained just for this case, B. Q. Pitts told Magistrate Sharon Frazer that the charges against Johnson have been withdrawn. The 79 charges against the bank still stand, and Director Martin Marshalleck appeared to answer for those.
But still, no charges were read today because of significant preliminary objections. The main issue was raised by Belize Bank attorney Eamon Courtenay who said that under the Money Laundering Act, no prosecution can be started without the involvement of the DPP. And he claims that former DPP Lutchman Sooknandan told him that he had not been contacted or consulted.
Special Prosecutor Pitts would not say which direction they will go from there since no DPP is currently in office. Both sides asked for a one month adjournment and it was adjourned until June 18.
