Man faces 8 charges over alleged N$3.8m abalone export

A 36-year-old man is facing eight criminal charges linked to an alleged attempt to export more than half a tonne of abalone from Namibia without the necessary legal documents.

Jack Wenchao Wang is accused of offences including fraud, forgery, uttering a forged instrument, contravening the Animal Health Act, unlawful export of abalone and disguising the unlawful origin of property. He is represented by his lawyer Jermaine Muchali.

According to the charge sheet, the alleged offences date back to 2021 and centre on 25 boxes of abalone weighing 525.58 kilograms, valued at about N$3.8 million.

The State, represented by Myiya Muyandulwa, has accused Wang of using a purported 2021 export permit to mislead the then ministry of industrialisation, trade and SME development into believing that the document was genuine and valid for the export of abalone.

He is also accused of forging a written instrument at Hosea Kutako International Airport in September 2021, allegedly using a tax invoice from Hangana Seafood (Pty) Ltd.

The charge sheet further alleges that Wang attempted to move the 25 boxes of abalone through Namibia without the required import and transit permit.

Another charge relates to an alleged attempt to export the consignment to Hong Kong without written permission from the minister.

The State has also brought an alternative charge under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, alleging that Wang entered into an arrangement or transaction involving the abalone in a way intended to conceal or disguise its unlawful origin.

The case was before the Windhoek Magistrates’ Court on 20 August, where it was postponed for the fixing of a trial date.

The charges are allegations and Wang has not been convicted.

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