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

New information has emerged in the case of Nicaraguan refugee Eric Omar Hernández Cruz, who fled Belize earlier this year after alleging he was scammed and threatened while attempting to secure legal status in the country. In Parts 1 and 2 of this investigation, Cruz detailed his claims that he and another individual paid $500 each to two men who allegedly promised “amnesty documents.”

Cruz accused one man linked to the Human Rights Commission of Belize (HRCB) and another working with Help for Progress, an NGO that partners with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Both men have since been terminated from their organisations, although neither has been charged, and both dismissals were officially attributed to funding cuts.

Today, Help for Progress is publicly addressing the situation for the first time.

Executive Director Enrique August confirmed to News Five that the second accused man, identified as being employed with Help for Progress in Benque Viejo Town. August said the dismissal had nothing to do with any allegations. “There was a downsizing of UNHCR partners. That could have been one of them. This occurred at the end of April. He got a notice that that would have happened.”

August acknowledged that he heard about the refugee’s complaint only after speaking with UNHCR and that he had no role in any subsequent investigation.

“I had nothing to do with the follow-up investigation,” August told us. “I think the complaint went to UNHCR, the parent organisation for the partners. They are trying to do it confidentially, not involving many people, because I was not consulted or even brought into the consultation.”

Despite a staff member being named in an alleged crime involving asylum-seekers, August could not confirm whether Help for Progress initiated any internal review.

“That I could not say. It could have been higher, but I do not know,” he said. “One of the things with these matters is confidentiality.”

Cruz told police that payments were allegedly made to secure documents. August maintains that Help for Progress has no role in issuing immigration documentation.

“We do not issue any documents,” he said. “The documents come from Immigration, and who deals with it is the Refugee Department. When they have to do the payment, they go to Immigration to make payments.”

August said the organisation only handles limited financial assistance to support transportation or basic needs. “We have what we call the assistance program. Small amounts, in cash assistance.”

August said he does not know Cruz personally but acknowledges that Cruz visited twice and received assistance.

Cruz reported to police that threats began on February 20, 2025, after the men were dismissed. He said the messages accused him of causing their termination and revealed personal movements and locations. The most recent were received July 9. Although he suspects the two men, he admitted he is uncertain who is responsible.

Part 4 is next.

Related Stories:

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)