He's a former three term area representative and senior UDP Minister, but tonight Rene Montero Sr is listed as an international fugitive. Today, this Interpol Red Notice for his arrest was circulated locally. While it's not listed on the Interpol website, we spoke with the Commissioner of Police who confirmed its legitimacy.
Now, first off, a Red Notice is a "request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action."
In Montero's case, the Red Notice lists, quote, "gross irregularities and abuse of power" allegedly committed by Minister Montero Sr when he was Minister of Works. The red notice adds, quote, "it was discovered that the Montero Sr directed and permitted the use of Government of Belize property assigned to the ministry at Cayo District Unit, Santa Elena Town, to carry out work on his personal private property, family member's property and close associates, therefore abusing the power of his office." End quote.
For this, a warrant for his arrest was issued in September of last year for the offence of "Willful Oppression" and the notice says that he faces a maximum of two years in prison.
It adds that cities he is likely to visit are Panama City in Panama, Miami in the United States and Guatemala City, Guatemala. The warrant says that any government who tracks him down should make a provisional arrest and extradition will be sought upon arrest.
