Niche News

FTC to Return Nearly $23 Million to Investors in Deceptive Sanctuary Belize and Kanantik Real Estate Schemes

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Key takeaways

  • The Federal Trade Commission is returning nearly $23 million to consumers nationwide.
  • Refunds go to people who bought overseas real estate lots marketed as Sanctuary Belize and its sister development, Kanantik.
  • Sanctuary Belize and Kanantik were pitched as luxury developments in southern, coastal Belize but were described as deceptively marketed.
  • The FTC published a press release with details and a link to the agency announcement.

Follow Up Questions

Who is eligible to receive these refunds?Expand

People the court‑appointed receiver determined eligible based on a completed Claim Application — i.e., consumers who bought lots in Sanctuary Belize (and purchasers in Kanantik/other covered development areas) who were notified by the receiver as eligible. (The claim-application process is closed.)

How will the FTC distribute the nearly $23 million to consumers (checks, direct deposit, or a claims process)?Expand

By mailed checks. The FTC (through the receiver/redress administrator Rust Consulting, supported by Ankura) is mailing checks to eligible claimants — 1,659 checks in this second distribution — and the application process is closed.

What specific claims or representations did Sanctuary Belize and Kanantik make that the FTC found deceptive?Expand

The FTC found the sellers deceived consumers by falsely claiming Sanctuary Belize (and related projects) would be a safe investment and a soon-completed luxury resort with promised amenities, that buyers could resell lots, and by misrepresenting the project’s funding/use of buyers’ money and the risks (and by misrepresenting key people’s involvement).

Which companies or individuals were found liable or sued in this matter?Expand

The FTC sued numerous corporate and individual defendants tied to the Sanctuary Belize Enterprise. After trial and appeals the court entered final orders and monetary judgments against ringleaders Andris Pukke and his associates (including Peter Baker and John Usher) and various corporate defendants; the case docket also names others such as Luke Chadwick, Global Property Alliance, Buy Belize/Buy International, Eco‑Futures entities, Atlantic International Bank Ltd., and multiple related companies and individuals.

How can someone check whether they were part of the affected investor group or file a claim?Expand

Check the Claim Application Portal on the receivership website (SanctuaryBelizeReceivership.com) to view your Claim Application Determination Notice (the receiver emailed eligibility notices). The receiver is no longer accepting new applications. For payment questions email Payment@SanctuaryBelizeRedress.com; for other receivership questions email info@SanctuaryBelizeReceivership.com.

What is the expected timeframe for consumers to receive payments and are there any deadlines they should be aware of?Expand

The FTC announced the second distribution on Feb. 5, 2026 and the receiver is mailing the checks now; recipients should cash checks within 60 days as indicated on the check. (The first round was mailed Aug. 16, 2023; the Claim Application window closed Feb. 9, 2023.)

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