Title: “Fishrot Six: Namibian Politicians, Officials, and Businessmen Remain in Custody Over Alleged Money-Laundering and Bribery Scheme”
Six Suspects Denied Bail in Money-Laundering and Bribery Scandal
Six Namibian suspects, including two former ministers and four businessmen, will remain in police custody until February 20. The group, which includes former Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Bernhard Esau and former Minister of Justice Sacky Shanghala, were denied bail during a court hearing on February 10, 2021.
Arrests Following Undercover Investigation
The arrests come after an undercover investigation by Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit and collaboration with Icelandic state television RUV and the Icelandic magazine Stundin. The so-called “Fishrot Files” reveal allegations of collusion between Samherji, a fishing conglomerate, and senior political and business figures in Namibia to gain preferential access to lucrative fishing grounds. The suspects were accused of corruption, fraud, and tax evasion following the investigative report.
Protestors Demand Accountability
Protests had erupted outside the courthouse on Monday, with protesters carrying signs that read “Fishy government” and “Don’t use the iPhone to bail yourself out.” These messages refer to undercover footage that allegedly shows Esau accepting an iPhone from an undercover Al Jazeera reporter. The suspects’ arrests followed accusations that the Namibian Anti-Corruption Commission had not taken sufficient action against known corruption cases in the country. Hundreds of protestors had marched to the commission’s offices last week, calling for the resignation of the commission’s director, Paulus Noa.
Suspects and Accusations
Former Ministers
- Bernhard Esau, former Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources
- Sacky Shanghala, former Minister of Justice
Businessmen
- Ricardo Gustavo
- Pius Mwatelulo
- Tamson Hatuikulipi, Esau’s son-in-law
- James Hatuikulipi, Esau’s cousin
Allegations and Denials
The suspects’ lawyers have denied the allegations, and no formal charges have been filed against them. In a statement, Samherji has said it will fully cooperate with the authorities and has “nothing to hide” from any investigation.
Undercover Investigation: “Anatomy of a Bribe”
Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit posed as Chinese investors attempting to enter the Namibian fishing industry. The undercover investigation, “Anatomy of a Bribe,” revealed how a donation, allegedly for the Namibian ruling party SWAPO, was to be laundered through the trust account of Sisa Namandje. The donation reportedly amounted to $200,000, and Esau had been asked to facilitate it before the country’s November 27, 2020 general election.
All parties involved in the investigation have denied any wrongdoing, and their legal teams have yet to issue formal statements following the court’s decision to deny them bail. The investigation is ongoing.
For updates on this developing story, please follow Al Jazeera’s investigative reports.