Julius accused of interference

Julius accused of interferenceInvestigator opposed to bail in customs fraud case The police officer heading the investigation into a N$3.5 billion customs fraud case is opposed to bail being granted, saying the three accused might leave the country. STAFF REPORTER



Laurantius Julius, accused of money laundering and fraud charges in the N$3.5 billion customs fraud case, has meddled in the investigation, Nampol Chief Inspector John Mutongwe has charged.

Mutongwe was called as a State witness and testified that there were suspicions of interference by Julius, who owns Extreme Customs Clearing Services and Organised Freight, two businesses fingered in the case.

Mutongwe heads a police task team with six other members, he told State prosecutor Rowen Beukes.

Irregularities were uncovered towards the end of 2015 and subsequently brought to the attention of the police.

Mutongwe informed the court that his team collected documents from Nedbank and FNB Namibia. According to him, the documents revealed transactions involving Extreme Customs Clearing Services and ten Chinese importers and the alleged under-declarations.

Mutongwe said that Julius had been tipped-off about a possible investigation into irregularities concerning his businesses. It was also strange to Mutongwe that Julius wanted to correct mistakes his clearing business had made, suggesting that Julius should not have made mistakes in the first place.

Mutongwe further suggested that the Chinese importers together with Julius formed a syndicate.

The three suspects in the case have been identified as a flight risk, according to Mutongwe.

When cross-examined by Louis Botes, who is representing Julius, and Sisa Namandje, who is representing Chinese nationals Huizhong Tau and Huang Jinrong, Mutongwe repeatedly stated that he was against the court granting the three accused bail, because the accused were likely to leave the country.

Mutongwe said there were no bail conditions he would be satisfied with.

The bail hearing continues in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court this morning.

Magistrate Venatius Alweendo is presiding.