Ivan Ayuso’s House is Up for Sale to Repay Stolen Government Funds

Six months ago, Ivan Ayuso, a former employee at the National Sports Council, admitted to laundering money and stealing over a million dollars from the organization. On Monday, Justice Nigel Pilgrim delivered his verdict in the High Court. During the forfeiture proceedings, Justice Pilgrim expressed hope that this case wouldn’t be the last of its kind, emphasizing Belize’s role in the global fight to eliminate the profits from crime. The forfeiture has left Ayuso and his ex-wife without their family home. Justice Pilgrim’s order outlined what will happen over the next six months. The house where Ayuso lived with his then-wife, Tanya Racquelle Savery, on Jack Fruit Crescent in Belama Phase 2, Belize City, is to be sold. The market value is nearly six hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars, with a forced sale value of around half-a-million dollars. From the sale, seventy percent will go to the government, and thirty percent to Ayuso’s ex-wife. As part of a plea deal, Ayuso agreed not to contest the forfeiture, allowing the Crown to take the house, which he had paid off using stolen money. Representing the Crown were Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Lynn-Vidal, Crown Counsel Chanelle Fernandez, and Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Leni Ysaguirre-McCann, along with Janelle Thomas-Shorter from the FIU. Ayuso was represented by attorneys Darrell Bradley and Kimberly Wallace, while attorney Erin Quiroz represented Ayuso’s ex-wife as an interested party. The interested party can help find potential buyers for the property to ensure a timely sale. The FIU will handle the property’s maintenance, including security, utilities, repairs, and general upkeep until it’s sold. The FIU will also take immediate steps to sell the property. A Report Hearing is scheduled for September twenty-third to update the court on the progress of the sale. Ayuso appeared virtually from his cell at Belize Central Prison, where he is serving a five-year sentence after pleading guilty to theft and money laundering charges.