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THE Namibian Police on Monday arrested a Namibia Revenue Agency (Namra) employee working at the Rundu regional office for allegedly defrauding the government of about N$3 million.
Anton Illarius (42) was arrested on Monday and appeared in the Rundu Magistrate’s Court on the same day to answer to charges of theft, fraud and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.
He is alleged to have tampered with the tax system by erasing taxpayers, especially businesses owners that owe government millions in taxes, in exchange for money.
The accused has reportedly been under investigation for quite some time, which led to his arrest on Monday at his work place at the Rundu Receiver of Revenue, located opposite the Rundu Magistrate’s Court building.
He is being represented by the Rundu-based lawyer, Bernhard Tjatjara.
Illarius appeared before magistrate Sonia Sampofu, who denied him bail due to the seriousness of the offence.
Sampofu said it would not be in the interest or administration of justice for the accused to be released on bail.
Namra spokesperson Tonateni Shidhudhu confirmed on Tuesday that the accused is a staff member of the agency working in the domestic tax department.
Shidhudhu said the accused was arrested following internal fraud investigations.
“That’s all we can say because the matter is before the court and it will be sub-judice to comment further.”
The matter was postponed to 25 October 2022, to allow the accused to apply for formal bail.
He is remanded in custody at the Rundu police station.
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