Port Immigration Officer Charged with Extortion

An immigration officer has been charged with extortion after a shipping agent reported paying $6,000 in connection with six people aboard a vessel at Big Creek Port in Stann Creek.

ACP Hilberto Romero said the report was made on September 8 by Daniela Cardenas, a shipping agent from Independence.

Romero said Cardenas was approached by an immigration officer who requested $6,000 for the six people who remained aboard the vessel.

“She made arrangements and paid an immigration officer six thousand dollars. She then contacted another person to verify if they had received this payment as no receipt had been given to her,” Romero said.

Police later obtained video footage and gathered evidence before arresting and charging Ruben Requena with extortion.

Romero also said Requena allegedly threatened Cardenas, telling her that if she made a statement, “the matter would not be left like that.”

That allegation is being followed up and could result in an additional charge as police continue to investigate.