By Belize Live News Staff: Belize has laws intended to combat corruption, but enforcement remains a major weakness, according to the U.S. State Department’s 2026 Investment Climate Statement.
The report says there have been numerous allegations of government corruption, while authorities have not consistently investigated or prosecuted corruption-related offences effectively.
It cites findings from Freedom House indicating that Belize’s anticorruption laws are not frequently enforced.
Under existing legislation, public officials are prohibited from engaging in bribery, misusing public resources or exploiting their positions for personal benefit.
Certain officials are also required to submit financial disclosures.
However, the report states that compliance with disclosure requirements remains limited and enforcement inadequate.
It raises concerns about the effectiveness of the Integrity Commission, which is responsible for examining declarations of assets, income and liabilities from public officials.
The report also highlights weaknesses in government procurement oversight, including fragmented institutions, inconsistent enforcement and insufficient rules addressing conflicts of interest.
According to the assessment, complaints persist about possible favoritism and political influence in government contracts involving construction, security and telecommunications.
The report notes that Belize has taken steps to strengthen its legal framework, including the Civil Asset Recovery and Unexplained Wealth Act.
It states that the Financial Intelligence Unit investigated 17 cases in 2025 and secured one conviction and asset forfeiture involving theft and money laundering of more than $500,000.
