Prosecutor recovers 1,500 messages from Thorsteinn Már and Jóhannes Stefánsson in corruption investigation in Iceland

The District Prosecutor has recovered over 1,500 messages exchanged between Thorsteinn Már Baldvinsson, CEO of Samherji, and whistleblower Jóhannes Stefánsson during the latter’s work in Namibia. This new evidence has emerged today and suggests a more extensive communication than previously acknowledged by the company’s representatives over the past five years. Thorsteinn Már had claimed limited contact with Jóhannes during interrogations, but the restored messages span from 2011 to 2016, primarily discussing arrangements for video conferences between them.

In a statement to his colleagues published on Samherji’s website, Thorsteinn Már asserted that this new information changes nothing regarding his previous statements, which he maintains are intact. He also expressed strong dissatisfaction, deeming it unacceptable that former employees of the company have been treated like criminal suspects for five years without justification.

Additionally, it has come to light that nine current and former Samherji employees have been granted suspect status due to allegations of bribery, money laundering, and enrichment crimes. Apart from Thorsteinn Már, financial manager Ingvar Júlíusson and former Africa operations head Aðalsteinn Helgason are also implicated, having participated in payments to offshore companies in Dubai and Namibia that allegedly facilitated bribes to influential Namibians.

The investigation, which has lasted around five years and is regarded as one of the most significant corruption inquiries in Iceland’s history, is reportedly far along, although some testimonies remain to be taken. The prosecutor indicated that challenges in reaching individuals for questioning have prolonged the process.