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Today, several days after the local media broke the story, the Government of Belize finally issued a statement on the arrest of Reynaldo Verde, the Deputy Director of the Belize Tax Service Department. As we told you, the FBI has charged him with attempted extortion and interference with commerce by means of extortion.

The GOB press release this morning says, quote, "Reports reaching the Government of Belize are that Mr. Reynaldo Verde was detained by authorities in the United States of America on Saturday, September 7th, 2019

In a press release, dated September 9th, 2019, issued by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau stated that Mr. Verde was arrested by complaint for his alleged interference with commerce by means of extortion and attempted extortion. He was later charged for these alleged offenses and it is understood that he pled "not guilty." 

In its press release, the FBI advised that no further information on this matter would be released at this time. It is, therefore, not known at this time the nature of the charge or whether it is related to Mr. Verde's employment with the Government of Belize." End quote.

The Government's release then goes on to say that his employment status as a public servant is now under scrutiny.

The press release ends by saying, quote, "As more information becomes available, Mr. Verde's employment status with the Government of Belize will be put before the Public Services Commission in accordance with the rules and regulations for the Public Services for consideration and decision." End quote.

As we told you, we have been informed that this allegation against Verde is in connection with a real estate development in northern Belize. A US citizen has alleged that Verde extorted them.