Ex-Sports Council Accountant Gets 5 Years for $1M Fraud

The High Court of Belize has sentenced former National Sports Council (NSC) accountant Ivan Ayuso to five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to theft and money laundering charges. Ayuso was found to have stolen over one million dollars from the NSC between 2013 and 2016 by making unauthorized salary payments to himself. The stolen funds were used to purchase a home, a luxury vehicle, and cover personal expenses.

Justice Nigel Pilgrim accepted a plea agreement that imposed a five-year sentence for each of the four counts, to be served concurrently. The court noted that Ayuso’s fraudulent actions severely impacted the NSC’s ability to secure funding and maintain credibility with donors.

In addition to his prison sentence, Ayuso has agreed not to contest the government’s move to seize his Belama property, which was allegedly purchased with the stolen funds. However, a third party has intervened in the forfeiture proceedings, delaying a final ruling on the matter.

While Ayuso expressed remorse for his actions, the court stressed the need for deterrence and accountability.