POLICE are investigating 29 more people in connection with the alleged fraud, money laundering and tax evasion of N$3,5 billion, allegedly siphoned out of Namibia through a customs clearing business.
Third suspect and Namibian businessman, Laurentius Julius (47), is accused with two Chinese nationals, Tao Huizong (46), and his 31-year-old countryman Jinrong Huang.
They might soon be joined by even more suspects, said police chief inspector John Mutongwe yesterday morning when he testified against the trio’s bail application in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court.
According to Mutongwe, the 29 suspects to be arrested in the next few weeks include, amongst others, several Namibian and Chinese business people operating at the northern border town of Oshikango in the Ohangwena region, and Windhoek in the Khomas region.
“The police investigations in connection with this alleged fraud case are not yet finalised. We are now busy with the auditing process of all the transactions involved in the case.”
He said some implicated Chinese and Namibian business personalities have closed their businesses after finding out they have been under investigation since 2013.
“We are now also busy consulting with all state witnesses,” explained Mutongwe.
The senior police officer informed the court that investigations were commanded by police Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga.
Mutongwe confirmed to court that Julius was the owner of Extreme Customs Clearing Services which presented the allegedly fraudulent invoices for imports to the customs office.
Senior public prosecutor Rowan van Wyk was representing the state in the bail application.
Louis Botes and Sisa Namandje represented the three suspects.
The bail hearing continues today when chief inspector Mutongwe will be cross-examined by the defence.
– Nampa
POLICE are investigating 29 more people in connection with the alleged fraud, money laundering and tax evasion of N$3,5 billion, allegedly siphoned out of Namibia through a customs clearing business.
Third suspect and Namibian businessman, Laurentius Julius (47), is accused with two Chinese nationals, Tao Huizong (46), and his 31-year-old countryman Jinrong Huang.
They might soon be joined by even more suspects, said police chief inspector John Mutongwe yesterday morning when he testified against the trio’s bail application in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court.
According to Mutongwe, the 29 suspects to be arrested in the next few weeks include, amongst others, several Namibian and Chinese business people operating at the northern border town of Oshikango in the Ohangwena region, and Windhoek in the Khomas region.
“The police investigations in connection with this alleged fraud case are not yet finalised. We are now busy with the auditing process of all the transactions involved in the case.”
He said some implicated Chinese and Namibian business personalities have closed their businesses after finding out they have been under investigation since 2013.
“We are now also busy consulting with all state witnesses,” explained Mutongwe.
The senior police officer informed the court that investigations were commanded by police Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga.
Mutongwe confirmed to court that Julius was the owner of Extreme Customs Clearing Services which presented the allegedly fraudulent invoices for imports to the customs office.
Senior public prosecutor Rowan van Wyk was representing the state in the bail application.
Louis Botes and Sisa Namandje represented the three suspects.
The bail hearing continues today when chief inspector Mutongwe will be cross-examined by the defence.
– Nampa
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
