OFFICE OFTHE DIRECTOR OF PUBUC PROSECUTIONS

Memorandum
Refc DPP14/F/HNOB/29

To: From:
Date: Re:

HEAD, NATIONAL CRIMES INVESTIGATION BRANCH THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

I

20th FEBRUARY 2014 INVESTIGATION INTO MATTERS ARISING AT THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT

Your cover memorandum, in its concluding paragraph says, "File submitted to you for your perusal and advice".

I have indeed perused the file, but must confess that I am in an utter quandary as to what advice I can possibly render.

Firstly, it appears to me that the investigation centered around a determination of the means by which the immigration files left the Department of Immigration, rather than around the contents of the files that were handed over. In this regard, it is noted that that none of the files provided by Mr. Saldivar have been attached to the investigation file, which of course, means that 1 have not been privy to any of them.

In fact, in his statement, ASP Julio Valdez says, at page 4, "After the documents were examined it was observed that several nationalities were approved by

CONFIDENTIAL

February 20, 2014

Immigration to individuals without meeting the criteria for approval, yet they were process and approved (sic)". The Officer then details his investigation along this line, and, remarkably, concludes, "......after followed up was done on this and question ask about these descrepancies, this line of the investigation did not continue, due to instructions, no other follow was made. It remained as is (sic)". I would be most grateful if the Officer were to indicate the source of these "instructions" and if in fact it simply means that no further investigation will ever be done in relation to the issue. The information on file suggests that offences may have been committed at the Immigration Department. I am unable to advise further since no files have been forwarded and the investigation, in relation to that issue at least, according to the Officer's own words, was halted. Please therefore, 1. indicate whether the Belize Police Department intends to proceed with an investigation to determine whether anyone can be charged for the irregularities identified by ASP Valdez and 2. forward to me the files in your possession which, whether on their face or because of the information gathered by ASP Valdez, seem to suggest that they pertain to persons who did not satisfy the requirements for nationality but were nonetheless granted a certificate, so that a proper assessment of the way forward can be made.

CHERYL-LYNN VIDALSC DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS