When we left you on Friday night, Italian Antonio Velardo was being questioned by authorities. As we reported, the Financial Intelligence Unit had gotten information that there was an international warrant for his arrest so he was given what is known as an RLL – refused leave to land – meaning he was not allowed to enter the country. And by Saturday morning the Immigration Department served him with an Order To Leave, an expulsion order. We understand that his catamaran vessel the Aventura was escorted out of Belize's Territorial Waters – and he was sent on his way.
International news reports implicate his business partner in money laundering for the Irish Republic Army – which is considered a terrorist organization.
He was found by Police on Wednesday aboard his yacht in San Pedro with twenty two thousand dollars in undeclared currency. He was charged for it and paid a small fine – after which eh was detained by immigration authorities. Checks show that he docked at Cucumber Beach briefly before going to San Pedro.
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