Belize Revokes Casino License Amid Florida Racket Probe

Belize's Ministry of Finance has revoked the gaming license of Caribi Bleu Casino, ordering an immediate shutdown. The move follows allegations linking the casino to a Florida-based racket involving Rima Ray, also known as 'Remington Ray'.

Ray, a Florida resident and CEO of IL Villagio Senior Entertainment Center, was previously involved in a fishing charter business in Belize. She owned Caribi Bleu Casino in San Pedro, Belize, where she is referred to as 'Remington Ray'.

Ray was recently stopped by police outside her St. Augustine home, two weeks before her arrest for an alleged $24m racket. During the traffic stop, authorities seized a significant amount of cash and a 1kg gold-colored bar from her backpack. Ray is now seeking to reclaim these items, valued at $340,872, along with other personal effects.

Ray's attorney has accused authorities of failing to comply with the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act regarding the seized items. Belize media has questioned if there might be a link between Carib Bleu and Ray's alleged Florida casino racket. Ray has given conflicting statements about the origin of the cash, initially claiming it was from a casino sale in Belize, then from a state liquidation firm.

Ray's lawsuit seeks the immediate return of her cash, gold bar, plus legal fees and court costs. The revocation of Caribi Bleu's license and the ongoing investigation into Ray's alleged involvement in a Florida racket highlight the complex nature of international gambling operations and their potential links to criminal activities.