A local think tank and research institute has expressed the hope that the two prosecuting authorities in Namibia and Iceland can cooperate to hold the Fishrot corruption scandal accomplices accountable. Together with Transparency International, they welcome the ongoing visits of a team of Namibian investigators and prosecutors to Iceland to discuss cooperation regarding prosecutions in the Fishrot scandal. “We are also encouraged by the simultaneous visit of a delegation led by Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s minister of international relations, to Iceland this week and hope the visit can be used as an opportunity for the two governments to boost cooperation in tackling corruption in both countries and, in particular, the need to seek accountability in the Fishrot case,” said Institute for Public Policy Research in a joint statement with Transparency International.
Furthermore, they said, reports that prosecutor general Martha Imalwa and deputy director general of the Anti-Corruption Commission Erna van der Merwe are also in Iceland meeting with Icelandic investigators and prosecutors augur well for possible cooperation in this transnational criminal investigation.
“We note that as of 7 June 2022, Namibia has not yet formally delivered its request for the extradition of three Icelandic suspects wanted in Namibia in relation to Fishrot and urge the minister of justice in Namibia Yvonne Dausab to make her decision known regarding extradition as soon as possible, in the interest of justice and due process of law, having special regard to Article 44 of UNCAC – which deals with extradition matters. Citizens of both countries have expressed, through public protests, news investigations and civil society efforts, that it cannot be right that only Namibian citizens are held legally accountable for Fishrot, when the corruption scandal clearly involves individuals in Iceland as well, the statement reads. Ten suspects, including former Cabinet ministers Sacky Shanghala and Bernhardt Esau, are in custody and awaiting trial.
They are facing more than 40 counts, including racketeering, contravening the Anti-Corruption Act, conspiracy, corruptly using an office to receive gratification, fraud, theft and money laundering, and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.
The Namibian prosecutors have also named three Icelandic nationals who are needed to appear in a local court with the Namibian suspects over their alleged involvement in the Fishrot scandal. The three are yet to be charged in Iceland.