Four Charged for Child Sexual Exploitation 

Four adults have been arrested and charged in Independence Village for their alleged involvement in the commercial sexual exploitation of a female Belizean minor.

The Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs confirmed the charges in a press release issued today.

According to the Ministry, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit arrested Belizeans Oscar Diaz, Maria Arias and Ramona Cucul, along with Guatemalan national Gloria Rodriguez.

The four were charged with facilitating the child prostitution of a female minor. They were arraigned in the Independence Magistrate Court and released on bail of $6,000 plus one surety.

The case has been adjourned to 11 February 2026.

In 2024, police investigated 18 cases of human trafficking in Belize. Of these, seven out of eight ongoing cases involved women, and four of the women were minors. The figures show a significant concern for young girls being trafficked.

The Ministry urged the public to report any suspected trafficking cases. It stated, “If you or anyone you know suspects someone of engaging in human trafficking, or knows of a victim, please report immediately.”

Reports can be made directly to the police at 911, the ATIP unit, the Department of Human Services, or Crime Stoppers Belize at 922.