Tonight police have confirmed that over $20,000 dollars has been stolen from the CIB branch of the Belize Police Department. It was discovered missing in April. Now, the CIB is in charge of investigating crime - so who will investigate this? When we spoke with police, they said that the money is from a 2023 seizure.
Reliable reports tell 7News that the Officer Commanding for CIB was transferred as a consequence of this missing money.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"As it relates to that inquiry, I can confirm that as a part of the auditing that was done at the CIB, a discovery was made that some sums of money was unaccounted for and that is the matter of an ongoing investigation."
Reporter
"Can you confirm that it is indeed the 21k?"
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"I believe it's something around that, yes. Just over $20,000."
Reporter
"Has anyone been investigated in relation to this?"
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"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."
Reporter
"Do we know what date exactly it was noticed that it was missing?"
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
"I believe it was sometime earlier this year. It was a sum of money that was seized as a part of an investigation that dates back to 2023."
