Prosecutor General Seeks Forfeiture of Funds Linked to GIPF Fraud Case. Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa is awaiting the outcome of an application to seize funds connected to Martin Eugene Smith, one of the individuals accused of defrauding the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) of approximately N$18.6 million. Smith and his co-accused, Vabiola Awases, allegedly misappropriated funds while working in GIPF’s annuities department.
The two are accused of altering legitimate beneficiaries’ banking details, redirecting the money into over 50 accounts for personal gain. To date, N$5 million held across three bank accounts linked to Smith, as well as immovable properties connected to the fraud, have already been forfeited to the state. These seizures occurred on 10 March 2023 and 9 November 2023, respectively.
In the latest forfeiture application, the Prosecutor General is seeking to recover an additional N$636,955.76 held in an account with Ecosun, managed through Pupkewitz Megabuild on behalf of Smith.
Between 4 February 2022 and 13 May 2022, a total of N$735,000 was deposited into a First National Bank (FNB) account of Pupkewitz Megabuild, intended for building and renovation work at Smith’s residence. On 30 September 2022, Smith instructed Pupkewitz Megabuild to transfer the remaining balance of N$636,955.76 to account C24196, held by Ecosun Trading. Ecosun Trading, owned by Xu Weitian, was reportedly contracted for Smith’s building project.
Smith and Awases are scheduled to return to court on 12 May 2025 as their trial continues. This follows the dismissal of an application for absolution from instance in November 2024 by High Court Judge Thomas Masuku.
The accused had argued against the admissibility of GIPF’s computer evidence and sought to have the case dismissed. However, Judge Masuku found there was sufficient evidence from GIPF witnesses indicating that the defendants had access to large sums of money and had collaborated using computer systems.
“The investigation revealed a prima facie case suggesting the defendants manipulated GIPF’s systems to pay unauthorized beneficiaries. Therefore, the defendants must present their side of the story,” the judge stated
