Chinese suspect in N$3.5b fraud case dies

Zhu Honggang, a suspect implicated in the N$3.5 billion fraud and money-laundering case before the Windhoek Magistrate's Court, has reportedly died in China.Zhu, who was a well-known businessman in northern Namibia, was one of the first suspects arrested last year in the case, which also involves prominent Chinese businessman Jack Huang. Zhu was out on bail of N$500 000 following his arrest in Ondangwa in December last year. The court was yesterday informed of his death by his lawyer, Nambili Mhata. State prosecutor Joseph Andreas confirmed that they had received a death certificate but said the document was in Mandarin and must still be translated. Yesterday only six of the eight suspects appeared before Magistrate Vanessa Stanley - Walvis Bay businessman Laurensius Julius, Huang and four other Chinese nationals. A warrant of arrest was issued for one of the accused, Huang Jinrong, who failed to attend court proceedings yesterday. An order was also made that his N$1.5 million bail be forfeited to the state. Dirk Conradie, appearing on behalf of Julius, requested the court to amend his client's bail conditions so that that he reports monthly to the Walvis Bay police station. Currently, Julius is expected to report once a week. Conradie further requested the court to allow his client to leave the district of Walvis Bay, something which is currently not permitted. The magistrate amended the conditions as requested. The eight accused are charged with fraud and money-laundering. The State alleges that the accused, from the start of 2010 until 19 December 2016, defrauded the finance ministry in respect of customs duties. The total real or potential losses by the ministry currently stands at N$3.5 billion in imported goods on which duties should have been paid. The matter was postponed to 22 June next year to allow the police to complete their investigations. Bail for the six accused was extended.JACQUELINE LOUW

Chinese suspect in N$3.5b fraud case dies

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-18

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Chinese suspect in N$3.5b fraud case dies

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-18

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