The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has uncovered a fraudulent scheme that resulted in the illegal payout of tax refunds totaling more than N$666,000 between January and April 2025, implicating 47 taxpayers.
According to Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, Chief of Strategic Communications and Support Engagements at NamRA, the scam is linked to the agency’s ongoing Mass Tax Refund Initiative.
An internal investigation revealed that newly registered taxpayers — primarily unemployed individuals with no tax obligations — were fraudulently processed for refunds dating back as far as 2011.
“In many cases, the registrations were completed without the knowledge of the individuals concerned, using their identity documents and banking details. Once the refunds were paid, the funds were distributed among the perpetrators, often through mobile money and digital wallet platforms,” Ndorokaze said.
He said as a result of the findings, a NamRA employee has been suspended, while the secondment of an official from the Ministry of Finance has been terminated.
“To date, a NamRA staff member has been suspended, the secondment of a Ministry of Finance official has been reversed, and three other suspects have been arrested and appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court last week,” Ndorokaze said.
He further warned the public to remain vigilant and to avoid sharing personal banking or identification information with third parties for any tax-related purposes.
“All tax refunds are processed solely through NamRA offices and authorised platforms,” he said.
