Nicaraguan Man Alleges Belize NGO Scam Left Him Facing Death Threats (Pt. 4)

A new development has emerged in the ongoing case involving Nicaraguan refugee Eric Omar Hernández Cruz, who alleged earlier this year that he was scammed and later threatened by individuals tied to two Belizean NGOs.

The Human Rights Commission of Belize (HRCB) has officially cleared its former employee of any wrongdoing after concluding an internal investigation into the allegations referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

In a letter dated October 2, 2025, signed by HRCB President Leo Bradley Jr., the former employee was informed that the investigation found no substantiated evidence linking him to any fraudulent activity.

“The Committee found that the allegations against you were not substantiated,” Bradley wrote. “Critical details, corroborating documentation, and direct testimony were not provided by the complainants, and the individuals making the allegations declined to participate in interviews.”

The letter states that, after a review of all information provided by UNHCR, there was no verifiable or reliable evidence of misconduct. It concludes that the former employee is “fully exonerated” and acknowledges that the allegations may have caused him “personal and reputational distress.”

Bradley added that the Commission remains committed to strengthening internal systems to ensure fairness and confidentiality in handling future complaints.

This letter follows months of controversy stemming from Cruz’s claims that he paid $500 to the former employee and another man, a coordinator at Help for Progress, in exchange for “amnesty documents.” Both men were later terminated from their respective organizations, though both dismissals were officially attributed to funding cuts, not misconduct.

News Five has confirmed that Eric Omar Hernández Cruz, the refugee whose allegations set off the investigation, died in mid-September in Mexico. People familiar with his situation say he suffered from health complications, though details surrounding his death remain limited.

Cruz had fled Belize earlier this year after claiming he received multiple threats following his police complaint. In his reports, he expressed fear for his life but admitted he could not confirm who was behind the threats.

Related Story:

Nicaraguan Man Alleges Belize NGO Scam Left Him Facing Death Threats (Pt.1)

Nicaraguan Man Alleges Belize NGO Scam Left Him Facing Death Threats (Pt.2)

Nicaraguan Man Alleges Belize NGO Scam Left Him Facing Death Threats (Pt. 3)