By Belize Live News Staff: Police and the owners of Caribbean Tires are searching for Joseph William Aldana, accused of defrauding the company of $232,860.92 through a series of bounced checks.
Aldana, owner of Aldana’s Valley Services, allegedly paid for fuel and freight services at Caribbean Tires’ main office in Spanish Lookout using multiple Belize Bank checks that were later returned due to insufficient funds.
The alleged scam began on April 15 when Aldana paid for services with a bounced check for $1,095. He later made good on that payment but returned on April 17 and subsequently, between April 17 and May 7, paid for additional services with three separate checks totaling over $120,000.
All of the checks were ultimately returned by the bank, and attempts to locate Aldana have been unsuccessful. Authorities believe he may have fled to the United States.
A report was filed with the police in Belmopan on May 23, and investigations are ongoing.