A construction scam in San Pedro has landed a Belizean man in court after a U.S. tourist filed a complaint.
Police charged 35-year-old Mark Alexander Botes, a construction worker from Libertad Village, for obtaining property by deception. The complaint states that Botes took $16,750 from the tourist and then vanished.
Botes appeared in Court #6 on Monday. The charge stems from an incident on April 19, 2025. On that date, police say he collected the funds under the pretense of starting construction on the tourist’s property.
The American told police he met Botes in April 2024. They signed a contract for foundation piling and house plans. According to the report, the tourist paid $15,000 for the piling and $1,750 for architectural plans. However, after September 2024, Botes allegedly stopped responding to messages.
On May 12, 2025, the tourist filed an official report at the Caye Caulker Police Station. He provided receipts and a copy of the signed contract as evidence.
Before the court could accept a plea, Botes’ attorney, Norman Rodriguez, asked the Magistrate to dismiss the charge. He argued the case was civil, not criminal, and claimed police acted without a full investigation.
The Magistrate denied the request. She said the court was still at an early stage and would review evidence later.
Botes pleaded not guilty. The court granted him $2,000 bail. He must not contact the complainant or come within 100 yards of him. Additionally, he must report weekly to the Corozal Police Station starting May 23.
The Magistrate scheduled his next court appearance for July 18 in San Pedro. Outside court, Botes said,
Not guilty. I wah prove it. I have all my receipts them.
This construction scam on Caye Caulker highlights growing concerns about real estate fraud targeting international investors.
