The police have arrested two more suspects in a N$29.9 million fraud from a fishing company at Walvis Bay.

The latest arrest brings the total number of suspects to six.

Victoria George (34), who is self-employed, is believed to be the mastermind of the alleged fraud and money laundering case.

The others are Cecilia Nakale (53), a chief administrator at the Ministry of Fisheries; Abisai Ndeunjema, who is self-employed; and Elizabeth Shikongo (30), a nurse at the Katutura State Hospital.

Elizabeth Niilonga (54), a warrant officer at Oluno Correctional Service, and Vitalis Iithete (50) are the other accused.

It is alleged that one of the suspects unlawfully and intentionally approached a 72-year-old Namibian businessman and presented fraudulent documents, acting on behalf of a fishing company.

The victim allegedly paid one of the suspects N$29.9 million in exchange for 40,000 metric tonnes of horse mackerel fishing quotas.

Although the victim paid for the product, the suspects allegedly failed to provide a catchment letter from the Executive Director of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources authorising the businessman to start catching fish from January 2024 to December 2024.

Through investigations, it was allegedly discovered that the proceeds from the deal were disbursed from the entity account to individuals who are either shareholders of that fishing company, their beneficiaries, training institutions, or Associates Trust accounts.

Four of the suspects appeared in the Walvis Bay Magistrate's Court, where they were denied bail, while the others will be transferred to the harbour town to make their appearance.

Bail was denied, and the matter was postponed to 11 and 12 March for a formal bail application.