FTC Sends Nearly $23 Million in New Refunds to Sanctuary Belize Investors

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is distributing nearly $23 million in refunds to consumers who purchased lots in the developments known as Sanctuary Belize and Kanantik.

The agency confirmed that 1,659 checks are being mailed nationwide in what it described as a second round of restitution linked to a deceptive real estate marketing scheme. The refunds follow years of litigation stemming from a 2018 federal complaint filed by the FTC.

That complaint targeted developer Andris Pukke and several related companies. Regulators alleged the group used aggressive telemarketing and misleading promotional claims to sell lots in Sanctuary Belize, which was marketed as a luxury resort community in southern Belize.

According to court filings, buyers were promised major amenities, including an international airport, hospital and high-end infrastructure. Investigators said many of those features were never completed or were significantly delayed. Numerous purchasers were reportedly unable to resell their properties and suffered financial losses.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland found the defendants liable and ordered monetary relief for consumers. The ruling was later upheld by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, allowing the FTC to continue distributing recovered funds.

The FTC has repeatedly cited the case as a warning about overseas real estate promotions that rely on guaranteed-return claims and high-pressure sales tactics. While nearly $23 million is now being sent to affected buyers in this latest round, regulators note that total consumer losses were significantly higher.

The Sanctuary Belize development attracted hundreds of primarily U.S. investors over several years, with more than US$100 million reportedly invested in the project. The FTC says restitution efforts are ongoing as funds become available.