Joshua Moses Ashburn Charged in Immigration Fraud Case

Joshua Moses Ashburn, a 47-year-old businessman from Belize City, has been formally charged with five counts of possessing false documents and five counts of preparation for crime. The charges stem from an investigation into the discovery of counterfeit immigration documents at his establishment, Double Zero, located on Western Avenue.

Police conducted a raid last month, uncovering a trove of illegal items, including fraudulent passports, visas, and immigration stamps, believed to be linked to unauthorised immigration operations. Also found were a 9mm Glock pistol, several bags of cannabis, and a bucket of cannabis hidden in a Dodge Ram pickup. Two other men, Keenan O’Connor, 20, and Mario Fernandez, 30, were also present at the property and detained.

Ashburn appeared in court alone but was later joined by O’Connor and Fernandez for arraignment on drug-related and firearm offenses. Ashburn attempted to plead guilty to lesser drug charges, but his plea was rejected, and all three men were remanded to Belize Central Prison until January 20, 2025.

The government called the case a serious breach of security. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams clarified that while the counterfeit immigration items found suggest a sophisticated operation, no evidence has yet linked Ashburn to any public officers within the Immigration Department.

“This individual appears to have been operating independently,” Commissioner Williams stated, adding that both the fake visas and stamps were confirmed to be inauthentic replicas. According to Williams, Ashburn’s wife suggested during an interview that the counterfeit items were provided by an Asian national. The investigation remains ongoing, with police expected to file additional charges by the week’s end.