RUNDU – The Rundu Magistrate’s Court on Monday denied bail to a Rundu-based employee of the Ministry of Finance – now seconded to the Namibian Revenue Agency – for alleged fraud, amounting to N$3 million.

Anton Illarius (42), who appeared on theft, fraud and defeating or obstructing the course of justice charges, was arrested on Monday and made his first appearance on the same day.

According to the police, the accused, who appeared before magistrate Sonia Sampofu, has allegedly been dealing with the tax system for years by erasing default taxpayers, especially businesses that owe government millions in unpaid taxes and would in turn be paid bribes in cash.

The court denied him bail due to the seriousness of the offence he is accused of committing, and the State felt it would not be in the interest of justice and administration of justice for the accused to be released on bail.

The court also noted the accused might abscond due to the hefty sentence that might come with the charges if found guilty.

Illarius was represented by Rundu-based lawyer Bernhard Tjatjara, while the matter was postponed to next Tuesday for the accused to apply for bail. 

He is remanded in custody at the Rundu police station.