Walvis Bay police have arrested two more suspects in connection with a N$29.9 million fraud involving a fishing company. This brings the total number of accused persons to six.
Victoria George (34), who is self-employed, is believed to be the mastermind behind the alleged fraud and money laundering scheme. The other suspects include Cecilia Nakale (53), a chief administrator at the Ministry of Fisheries; Abisai Ndeunjema, who is self-employed; and Elizabeth Shikongo (30), a nurse at Katutura State Hospital. Also involved are Elizabeth Niilonga (54), a warrant officer at Oluno Correctional Service, and Vitalis Iithete (50).
According to reports, one of the suspects allegedly approached a 72-year-old Namibian businessman, posing as a representative of a fishing company. They reportedly presented fraudulent documents and convinced the victim to pay N$29.9 million in exchange for 40,000 metric tonnes of horse mackerel fishing quotas.
However, after receiving the payment, the suspects allegedly failed to provide an official catchment letter from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. This letter was necessary for the businessman to start fishing between January and December 2024.
Investigations revealed that the money from the deal was distributed from the fishing company’s account to individuals, including company shareholders, beneficiaries, training institutions, and trust accounts.
Four of the accused have already appeared in the Walvis Bay Magistrate’s Court, where they were denied bail. The remaining suspects will be transported to Walvis Bay for their court appearance. The case has been postponed to 11 and 12 March for a formal bail application.
