Reynaldo Verde is one of the most senior tax administrators in Belize - he's the Deputy Tax Service Director at the newly amalgamated Belize Tax Services Department.
But, tonight, he's in the custody of the FBI at a Federal detention Center in the US state of Virginia. 7News has confirmed that the Feds picked up Verde while he was transiting through the USA on Saturday. He was returning from an official trip to Brussels to attend an international tax conference.
Financial secretary Joseph Waight today confirmed that Verde was charged with violating a US criminal code related to interference with Commerce. Reports say he pled not guilty. At this point, we do not know what compliant or transaction the charge is based on.
It's a huge black eye for Belize, since Verde is a very senior figure in the country's tax administration system. And, for him to now be charged by the FBI - while returning from official business on behalf of the state - suggests a high level of seriousness with the charges.
In Belize, Verde has been charged twice for firearm offences, and was remanded to prison at least once.
Email
Print