Fake Belizean Visa and Immigration Stamps Found at Double Zero

Today, businessman Joshua Ashburn and his common-law wife, Xochil Lopez, were granted High Court bail of fifteen thousand dollars each. However, Ashburn’s legal troubles have deepened after he was allegedly found with several Chinese passports containing false Belizean visas. In late November, law enforcement raided Double Zero on Western Avenue, discovering a large stash of cannabis, a firearm, ammunition, and various immigration documents. Ashburn, the business owner, was charged with drug trafficking and firearm possession. On Thursday, he faced an additional ten charges: five counts of possessing false documents and five counts of preparation for a crime. Lopez was also charged in connection with the November raid, and both were remanded to the Belize Central Prison. Today, their bail applications were heard virtually before Justice Rafael Morgan in Orange Walk. With no objection from the Crown, Ashburn was granted bail of fifteen thousand dollars, plus one surety of the same amount or three sureties of five thousand dollars each.

Lopez’s application was heard separately, and she was granted bail under the same conditions. Both must report to the Racoon Street Police Station twice a week. Regarding the new charges, it’s alleged that Ashburn had a People’s Republic of China passport belonging to Xingrun Chen, with a false Belize visa. He allegedly had four more passports belonging to Wei Guo, Zhen Liu, Peng Yu, and Xingda Xhen, all with false Belize visas. Additionally, Ashburn is accused of possessing a stamp marked “Visitors Permit to Belize, Phillip S.W. Goldson International Airport” and using it to forge official documents. He also allegedly had other stamps, including an Immigration & Nationality stamp with the Belize Coat of Arms and another marked “Permitted to remain in Belize as a Permanent Resident.” The police prosecutor informed the court that they are awaiting further directives from the DPP’s office. No plea was taken. The Senior Magistrate granted Ashburn bail for these additional charges at five thousand dollars plus one surety of the same amount. In total, five people, including Ashburn, now face charges related to prohibited firearms, ammunition, and drugs. They are due back in court on January 20th.