In an audacious land grab that has left Belizeans stunned, brazen developers have unlawfully seized a prime two-acre waterfront property on Four Mile Lagoon in Corozal, valued at over half a million US dollars. The rightful owner, prominent businessman Mike Feinstein, was blindsided when he discovered that his land was being overtaken by imposters.
Feinstein was alerted to the treacherous takeover three months ago by a friend who noticed unauthorized developments on the property. The imposters had ruthlessly removed existing coconut trees, demolished the original cement fence, erected a taller barrier, and dumped approximately four feet of fill to alter the landscape.
Despite Feinstein’s immediate warnings to the fraudulent occupiers, their illicit activities continued unabated. Determined to reclaim his property, Feinstein, accompanied by law enforcement, confronted the culprits three weeks ago, halting their operations. By then, the imposters had already sunk about $75,000 into the unauthorized development.
The audacity of the fraudsters was underpinned by counterfeit documents, including a fabricated “receipt of instrument” typically used in applications for title by prescription, commonly known as squatters’ rights. While the parcel ID was accurate, the instrument number corresponded to a property in Punta Gorda, and “Santa Elena Corozal” is not an officially recognized municipality—clear indicators of a blatant fraud.
The individuals claiming ownership, identified as Michael and Dawn Reid, have yet to clarify how they justified their spurious claim. When contacted, Dawn Reid, a realtor by profession, deflected, stating she was focused on family and the holiday season, promising to address the issue afterward.
Further complicating the scandal, reports implicated real estate agent Helen Black in facilitating the fraudulent deal. Black vehemently denied involvement, asserting, “I was not an agent in any of that,” and emphasized, “No one can sell land owned by someone else except for the government.”
This brazen land heist has raised concerns about a potential fraud ring possibly involving North American real estate agents. Notably, earlier this year, Corozal-based Bellcan Projects accused Helen Black of attempting to fraudulently sell portions of their property, even issuing a cease-and-desist letter.
The Lands Department has confirmed that Feinstein’s property has remained untouched by any legitimate transactions or transfers for over a decade, reinforcing the fraudulent nature of the Reids’ claims.
As the investigation unfolds, Belizeans are left questioning the security of land ownership and the boldness of fraudsters willing to gamble on high-stakes property thefts. This shocking case also underscores a critical lesson for potential buyers and property owners: the importance of working with a reputable real estate agent.
Real estate transactions should always involve professionals who are not only knowledgeable but also bound by higher ethical standards, such as membership in a recognized real estate association. Such agents are often held accountable for their conduct, providing an added layer of trust and security in a market that has seen its share of fraudulent schemes.
Whether buying, selling, or managing property, taking steps to verify credentials, consulting with legal experts, and working with agents who prioritize integrity can make all the difference in avoiding scams like this one. In a time when property theft is becoming increasingly bold, diligence and professionalism remain your best defenses.