BELIZE CITY, Mon. Sept. 6, 2021– Today, the police released a wanted poster which notified the public that they are seeking to detain former Minister of Works, Rene Montero, Sr., for the crime of Willful Oppression. The warrant, issued on Friday, September 3, calls for the arrest of Rene Montero and George Andrews for willfully abusing their authority and injuring the public.

Under section 309 of the Criminal Code, the offense is known as Willful Oppression.

Last year, just after the landslide PUP victory in the general elections, current Works Minister Julius Espat went on a warpath against his predecessor, Rene Montero, and compiled a mountain of evidence showing gross wrongdoing carried out under the former Minister’s watch.

The files were sent to the Director of Public Prosecution, who has since directed that an arrest be made.

The wanted poster lists Montero’s address as 27 Church Street and his occupation as a businessman. Rumors are that the former politician may have absconded.

There has been no indication at this time whether he has been located by police.

Section 285 of the Criminal Code, Chapter 101 of the Belize Constitution, states, “Every public officer or juror who is guilty of corruption or of willful oppression or of extortion in respect of the duties of his office, shall be liable for imprisonment for two years.”

Willful oppression refers to any excessive use or abuse of authority that injures the public or a person.