Financial Crime World

Namibia’s Commercial Crime Division Cracks Down on Financial Crimes

The Commercial Crime Division (CCD) of the Namibian Police Force has been tasked with investigating all cases of financial crime in the country, a critical mandate for safeguarding the economy.

Background

Established in 1986 in Windhoek following an increase in commercial crime, the CCD falls under the Criminal Investigation Directorate. The division has undergone significant upgrades over the years to ensure that every financial crime case reported to the police is thoroughly investigated and those found guilty are punished by the courts while innocents are given their freedom.

Structure

The CCD now has five subdivisions:

  • General Fraud: Investigates all personal and business fraud cases worth over N$100,000, stolen cheques, and computer crimes not involving syndicates.
  • Commercial Fraud: Deals with commercial fraud cases, including embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, and fraudulent business practices.
  • Syndicate Fraud: Investigates complex fraud cases involving organized crime groups.
  • Anti-Money/Laundering: Focuses on investigating money laundering and other financial crimes related to the illegal movement of funds.
  • Cyber Crime: Deals with computer and cellphone-related crimes, fraudulent internet transactions, and collecting evidence from third-party providers.

Expansion

The division has expanded its reach by establishing units in several regions, including:

  • Kavango East
  • Oshana
  • Omusati
  • Erongo
  • //Karas

Police Inspector-General Sebastian Ndeitunga explained that the unit was upgraded due to an increase in workload and the complexity of cases handled. A subdivision is typically supervised by a chief inspector, but with the division’s growth, it now falls under a deputy commissioner for better management.

Commitment to Protecting the Economy

The CCD is committed to investigating every reported case of financial crime and bringing perpetrators to justice. With a strong commitment to protecting the economy, the division is determined to ensure that financial crimes do not go unpunished. The police management is currently working on establishing units in other regions to ensure that financial crime investigations are carried out effectively nationwide.

By cracking down on financial crimes, the CCD plays a crucial role in safeguarding Namibia’s economy and promoting economic stability.