Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa freezes Chinese businessman’s account
Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa has frozen N$3.2 million in the bank account of Chinese businessman Yan Qiang due to allegations of illegal abalone trading and immigration fraud. The investigation began after authorities discovered illicit seafood at his supermarket and found discrepancies in his work permit documentation.
Why it matters
The case underscores government efforts to combat organized crime and illegal trade practices within the retail sector.
Acting prosecutor general Martha Imalwa has applied to freeze N$3,2 million held in the bank account of Yan Qiang, a Chinese businessman. Imalwa alleges the funds are proceeds of unlawful activities linked to illegal abalone trading, money laundering and immigration fraud.
The preservation order application, brought under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, targets funds accumulated between 1 January 2025 and 15 May this year.
According to court documents, the investigation stems from an operation on 13 May this year when officials from the Namibian Revenue Agency (Namra) discovered 512 frozen abalone in a deep freezer at Olide Supermarket in Windhoek’s Chinatown.
Imalwa says the abalone weighed 14.10 kilograms and had an estimated value of N$65 000. The seafood was confiscated after Yan allegedly failed to produce the permits or documentation required for its possession.
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