Police advise public to file reports in Lions Club raffle controversy as tensions persist

Persons who believe they have been wronged in the ongoing Lions Club raffle controversy are being advised that they can make a formal report to police, which could then be referred to the Financial Intelligence Unit for further review.  That guidance comes in the wake of an incident yesterday at the Belize Civic Center, where police were called in to defuse tensions during a refund exercise linked to the failed truck raffle organized by the Sub Umbra Floreo Lions Club.  Police say anyone who feels aggrieved should come forward and make an official report.

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police:  “I buy a lottery ticket, a raffle ticket, they say the draw will happen on this date, this date goes I went to the company and asked for my money since the day passed I haven’t received it so I want to make a report against that organization for obtaining property by deception. That can trigger something but what you are telling me or what you guys are saying is the whole internal whatever. Now those persons who gave up their money under the understanding that a certain activity would take place and that did not take place they are aggrieved persons and they can make report about their property being obtained fraudulently. I would advise those persons to go back to the organization and ask for a refund of the money because the indication that was given to them that a certain conduct would be taken by a certain date. If that and given that it has not come to pass they request a refund and if they’re not satisfied with the response that is given they are free to come to make a report to the police station and it will be investigated by the department and certainly we will make communication with the Financial Intelligence Unit as well.”

The refund process involves more than five hundred individuals who each paid one hundred dollars for a chance to win a Toyota Hilux in a raffle launched in August of last year to support families battling childhood cancer. The draw was initially scheduled for December 31, but no winner was ever announced. A later extension granted by the Gaming and Lotteries Commission to March 7 also passed without a draw being held, and the raffle was eventually cancelled.  With over fifty thousand dollars collected, concerns are now growing about whether sufficient funds exist to reimburse all participants. Several individuals who received refunds say the process has been unclear and, at times, frustrating.  Further complicating the matter, Belize Diesel and Equipment Company Limited, featured in promotional material, has stated that there was no formal agreement in place for the vehicle, with only a proforma invoice issued and no deposit made./