Namibians defraud government of nearly N$1 billion in tax fraud over four years

The Namibia Revenue Agency Namra has registered 316 cases between 2022 and 2026, with 41 criminal cases forwarded to the Namibian Police. During this period, Namra recovered over N$144 million. Namra spokesperson Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze stated that the agency continues to uncover increasingly sophisticated tax and customs fraud schemes, carried out by both individuals and businesses.

These illegal activities reduce government revenue needed for public services. Common offenses include submitting false tax returns, businesses declaring dormancy while generating taxable income, and using forged invoices to reduce tax liabilities or claim fraudulent VAT refunds. Other cases involve fraudulent tax good standing certificates, unregistered businesses charging VAT, employers failing to remit Paye deductions, and unauthorized use of VAT import accounts.

Namra reminds taxpayers and traders that non-compliance carries serious legal consequences, including prosecution, penalties, and recovery of unpaid taxes and duties, and urges employers to remit all Paye deductions.