Fraud accused insists he is merely a driver

Fraud accused insists he is merely a driverBail hearing in money-laundering case continues Huang Jinrong, charged with tax fraud and money laundering, yesterday maintained his innocence during a bail hearing in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court. STAFF REPORTER



A bail hearing in a money-laundering case involving two Chinese men and a Namibian businessman, which started on Monday, is still continuing.

Taking to the stand yesterday, second accused Huang Jinrong maintained his innocence, claiming not to have been involved in any fraud or money-laundering.

Arguing through his lawyer Sisa Namandje, Jinrong claimed that he knew nothing about the charges he and his co-accused were facing. He also claimed that he was only a driver and could not in that capacity become a party to money-laundering and fraud.

According to him, his inability to speak English made it unlikely for him to conduct any business other than driving or locking up the business where he worked.

The State charged that Jinrong was the owner of a business, Red Star CC, operating from the same business premises as that of his co-accused, Huizhong Tau.

State prosecutor Rowan van Wyk argued that Jinrong was the sole proprietor of Red Star CC, an allegation denied by Jinrong.

The State further argued that Jinrong was conducting business activities related to banking and customs and excise on behalf of Red Star, another allegation denied by Jinrong.

Further to that, a fitness certificate by the Helao Nafidi Town Council was made out in Red Star in Jinrong’s name, another allegation he denied.

Presenting documents to the court, Van Wyk argued that Jinrong had conducted banking activities on behalf of Red Star and that he was not just a driver as Jinrong had claimed.

Jinrong insisted that he was merely a caretaker and that all business activities were conducted from China, despite the State submitting as evidence a power of attorney document that gave Jinrong permission to conduct business on behalf of Red Star.

Speaking through an interpreter, Jinrong denied ever seeing the power of attorney. He further denied that he had ever conducted banking activity despite permission granted to him by his boss, who was not resident in Namibia. Jinrong also denied having any relation to his boss and stated that he was only executing instructions given to him when questioned by Namandje.

Jinrong claimed that because he could not speak or write English, it would be difficult to conduct business in Namibia.

The case was postponed to today.

Magistrate Venatius Alweendo is presiding.