Double Zero Owner Faces New Fraud Charges Hours After Bail

Joshua Moses Ashburn, a businessman already embroiled in legal trouble, faced a fresh wave of charges today. Ashburn and his wife, Xochil Lopez, were granted bail in the High Court on charges of firearm possession, ammunition, and drug-related offences earlier this morning.

Ashburn and Lopez, both businesspeople from Belmopan, secured $15,000 bail each, along with stringent conditions imposed. These include weekly reporting to police, surrendering travel documents, and avoiding contact with witnesses. The couple’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 20, 2025, related to previous charges stemming from their alleged possession of prohibited firearms and drugs.

However, just hours later, he was hit with nine new counts, including possession of false documents and preparation of a crime.

The new allegations claim that on November 18, 2024, Ashburn had possession of counterfeit Belize visas in Chinese passports and forged immigration stamps at his Western Avenue residence. These included stamps purportedly used for permanent residency and visitor permits, which investigators allege were intended for fraudulent purposes.

Despite the severity of the new charges, Ashburn was granted an additional $5,000 bail with conditions. He must report weekly to the Queen Street Police Station, reside at his current address, and attend all court dates, including the next hearing on January 20, 2025.