The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has revealed that the amount lost to an income tax refund fraud scheme has increased to N$833 million from N$136 million reported in January of this year.
The revenue body, which discovered the scheme in 2021, however, said it has managed to recover only N$19.9 million, with 1168 taxpayers implicated, an increase from the January figure of 921.
“As of 18 July 2023, our investigations have implicated a total of 1,168 taxpayers, employed at 84 institutions, encompassing private companies, Government Offices, Ministries, and Agencies (O/M/A’s) as well as public institutions,” said NamRA’s Chief Strategic Communication and Support Engagement Executive, Steven Ndorokaze, on Thursday.
He said criminal cases registered with law enforcement had now increased to 56, with letters of demand worth N$55 million issued as part of its recovery efforts.
“In line with our commitment to accountability, we have issued 322 demand letters. Pursuant to section 91 of the Income Tax Act, 1981 (Act No. 24 of 1981), 302 notices to agents have been issued, amounting to N$55 million. To date, 56 criminal cases have been registered with the Namibian Police. Thus far, only 5 suspects have been arrested and charged. More suspects are expected to be arrested in the coming weeks,” Ndorokaze said.
“NamRA remains unwavering in its commitment to enforcing revenue laws and will thoroughly investigate any related malpractices.
