7 News Belize

Customs Officer Accused Of Extorting US Retiree
posted (April 18, 2011)
American Jules Fred Weterkamm was all set to retire in Belize. So when he arrived at the Phillip Goldson Airport on April sixth, like all those foreigners seeking to retire in Belize, he should have gotten all his property brought in duty free. But he claims he ran into two customs officers who tried to hustle him. Weterkaam had a coin collection with over 500 silver, gold and platinum coins. He says two customs officers at the airport inspected the collection and then told him the duty was 7,500.00 US dollars, but they would work a deal with him, where he would only pay five thousand dollars, and then he would get back the coins.

According to police, Weterkamm was taken to the main office in Belize City where he claims he paid the customs officers two thousand US dollars and they gave him half the coins and told him they would give him the other half when he paid the remaining three thousand US dollars the following day.

But instead of paying Weterkamm went to complain - all the way to the prime minister we are told - and that's when word came down for an investigation to be launched. That was done by the police department who detained 35 year old Linsbert Godoy and 32 year old Herbert Matute over the weekend.

Today the pair were taken to court and charged with extortion. They pleaded not guilty and were released on bail of $10,000.00 dollars each.

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize