Ex-Accountant Ayuso Faces Asset Seizure as Sentencing Delayed in $1M Embezzlement Case

There has been a major update in the case of Ivan Ayuso, as the Director of Public Prosecutions is applying to the High Court to seize his assets. Ayuso, the former accountant of the National Sports Council, appeared in the High Court today for his sentencing hearing after being convicted of embezzling over one million dollars from the Government of Belize. However, the DPP had not completed the application and Justice Nigel Pilgrim delayed the sentencing until October 25. As part of Ayuso’s plea bargain, the Crown is making a forfeiture application for his assets to be seized. Ayuso is facing a five-year sentence on each of his four charges— one count of theft and three counts money laundering. These sentences will run concurrently, and as part of the agreement, Ayuso will not challenge the forfeiture of his home, his only significant asset, which is jointly owned with his wife. In court today, three character witnesses, Ayuso’s brother, his son, and a long time friend, gave mitigation pleas on Ayuso’s behalf and pleaded for leniency. Ayuso funnelled $1,040,997.67 from the National Sports Council between 2013 and 2016, diverting money meant for community programs and sports facilities across Belize. During the trial, one government representative testified how the theft left the National Sports Council in financial ruin, even forcing the organization into overdraft with the Belize Bank.