Bankers arraigned over alleged D6M fraud, stealing

The accused persons are also charged with conspiracy to commit felony – an offence that contravenes Section 368 of the Criminal Code Volume 3 Laws of The Gambia 2009.

The prosecution alleged that the trio, sometime between the months of August and November 2023, at BSIC Bank Head Office in Fajara and diverse places in the Republic of The Gambia conspired among  themselves to commit felony therein stealing.

Abdou Camara, the first accused, and Omar Touray, the second accused, were further charged with stealing by clerk or servant contrary to 258 of the Criminal Code Volume 3 Revised Laws of The Gambia 2009.

The particulars of offence indicates that the duo between the months of August and November 2023 at the BSIC Bank Head Office in Fajara, being employed by the said Bank as a Vault  Custodian and Finance Officer respectively, and by virtue of their positions, stole the sum of $52,500 US Dollars equivalent to D3,071,250 and D3,570,000 respectively – a cumulative amount of D6,641,250  from the Bank.

Concurrently, Muhammed Sillah, the third accused was charged with stealing contrary to Section 252 and obtaining money by false pretence contrary to Section 288 of the Criminal Code, Revised Laws of The Gambia 2009.

The particulars revealed that Muhammed Sillah between the months of August and November at BSIC Bank Head Office at Fajara, stole or fraudulently converted to his own use the sum of $52,500 U.S. Dollars being the money given to him, by the first and second accused.

The particulars further indicated that Muhammed Sillah also by false pretence with intent to defraud, obtained the above amount of money from Abdou Camara and Omar Touray under the pretext that he was going to help them double the said money to over 3 million U.S. Dollars.

However, the accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the charges against them.

Superintendent Camara, who appeared for the Inspector General of Police did not oppose bail for the accused persons, saying the offences are bailable.

Principal Magistrate Isatou Sallah-Mbai granted the accused persons bail in the sum of D7 million with three sureties; one of whom must provide a title deed worth D3.5 million.

The accused persons shall deposit their travelling documents with the court.