Ex-FIC boss still available for Fishrot probe

Ogone Tlhage WINDHOEKThe Bank of Namibia (BoN) says the recent appointment of former Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) director Leonie Dunn as deputy BoN governor will not have any impact on the ongoing Fishrot corruption case, adding that Dunn will still be available should her knowledge of the case be sought.Persons implicated in the corruption scandal are former justice minister Sacky Shanghala, former fisheries minister Bernhardt Esau, former Investec CEO James Hatuikulipi, former Investec business manager Ricardo Gustavo, former Fishcor CEO Mike Nghipunya, City Police employee Philipus Mwapopi, Otjozondjupa regional council employee Otneel Shuudifonya, Esau's son-in-law Tamson Hatuikulipi, James' nephew Pius Mwatelulo and Shanghala's lackey Nigel van Wyk. The men stand accused of benefitting from a money-laundering scheme involving Icelandic fishing company Samherji.BoN spokesperson Israel Zemburuka said the FIC has always been ready to assist law enforcement agencies (LEAs) when called upon for help."The FIC has placed it on record that it extensively collaborated with various LEAs, offices and counterpart agencies to provide actionable intelligence over many years towards the investigation and prosecution of the Fishrot matter. The criminal case is quite advanced, as is commonly known," Zemburuka said."In this regard, the FIC, as an institution, has the capability to assist LEAs and offices where necessary and is the repository of information, expertise and knowledge, should it be required.” Won’t limit work"It should be noted that the former director of the FIC has not walked away with information related to the case, and all necessary and relevant intelligence has been shared with relevant LEAs. "Nevertheless, Ms Dunn is accessible with the BoN in the unlikely event should further information or assistance in this matter be required," he said.Dunn's transfer to the highest office of the central bank would also not limit the FIC's ability to carry out its work, Zemburuka said."The FIC over the years has built sufficient capacity to carry out its mandate without fear or favour. The investments made in human resource development, the adoption of technological tools and improved intelligence gathering and dissemination remain at the disposal of the current and future leadership and staff in the execution of the FIC mandate, now and beyond," he said.During an annual review in 2020, the FIC said it had flagged over N$10 billion in questionable transfers forming part of the now infamous Fishrot scandal.

Ex-FIC boss still available for Fishrot probe

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

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Ex-FIC boss still available for Fishrot probe

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

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