Metropolitan fraud dates back to merger

METROPOLITAN Life Namibia says the alleged fraud currently being investigated at two of its northern branches seems to have its roots in the company’s acquisition of Channel Life Namibia two years ago.

The insurance company said last week that it suspects a number of former Channel Life clients, who have since been incorporated into Metropolitan, had submitted false hospital claims during 2003 and 2004. “The investigation has revealed that the suspected policy holders attached fictitious hospital and medical documents to their claims.”These documents originated from the Oshakati State Hospital, Katutura State Hospital and Onandjokwe Lutheran Hospital, but documents from other hospitals may also be involved,” spokesperson Elsabe Horn said in a statement.She said no staff members of either Metropolitan Life or the former Channel Life Namibia are currently implicated in the company’s investigation.The extent of the loss has not been confirmed yet, she said, although it is believed to be more than the estimated N$2.4 million reported by the Police earlier this week.According to the Police, the Oshakati branch of Metropolitan Life was defrauded of N$142 678,86 and the Ondangwa branch of N$97 234,05.”The investigation has revealed that the suspected policy holders attached fictitious hospital and medical documents to their claims.”These documents originated from the Oshakati State Hospital, Katutura State Hospital and Onandjokwe Lutheran Hospital, but documents from other hospitals may also be involved,” spokesperson Elsabe Horn said in a statement.She said no staff members of either Metropolitan Life or the former Channel Life Namibia are currently implicated in the company’s investigation.The extent of the loss has not been confirmed yet, she said, although it is believed to be more than the estimated N$2.4 million reported by the Police earlier this week.According to the Police, the Oshakati branch of Metropolitan Life was defrauded of N$142 678,86 and the Ondangwa branch of N$97 234,05.