Maria Amakali
A group of businesspeople accused of being embroiled in a scheme that resulted in the finance ministry losing nearly N$3.5 billion in revenue will be tried in the Windhoek High Court.
The group was informed on Tuesday when they made an appearance in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court that the prosecutor general has decided they will stand trial in the High Court.
They are expected to make their first appearance in the High Court on 28 April 2023. The group comprises of Namibian national Laurentius Julius and Chinese businessmen Jack Huang, Tao Huizhong, Zhu Honggang, Zhihua Gua, Hongying Jia, Dadi Li, Ying Zhang, Huang Jinrong, and Shuhua Cao.
They are expected to be tried on various counts of fraud, theft, tax evasion, and money laundering. According to police and forensic accounting evidence presented during the accused’s formal bail hearing, the ministry suffered losses of the substantial amount in question as a result of the under-declaration of the value of goods imported into Namibia and on which customs duties were supposed to be paid.
The investigations by Bank of Namibia last year revealed there was an outflow of foreign currency from Namibia. During the investigation, it was discovered that N$3.5 billion was shipped out of the country through Julius’ business Extreme Customs Clearing Services, amongst others.
Investigators unearthed those imports were under-declared at customs and over-declared at the bank, resulting in losses of billions of dollars to Namibia.
The evidence indicated there was a huge difference in the amount presented at the bank for deposit and that presented at customs for clearance. The amount allegedly paid to foreign beneficiaries does not correlate to the amount on the invoices.
The substantial amount is said to have been remitted to offshore accounts through a local bank. The group is currently on bail ranging from N$500 000 to N$1.5 million respectively – which has been extended. They are represented by Slysken Makando, Sisa Namandje and Louis Du Pisani. Magistrate Jozanne Klazen presided with Rowan van Wyk prosecuting for the State.
– mamakali@nepc.com.na