The accused, Paulo Djabi, was charged with 20 criminal counts, however, State Counsel Lamin Jarju said the motion filed on January 29, 2025, sought to add one count and amend counts 19 and 20, respectively.
However, the defence counsel, S. Tambadou did not object to the motion.
The presiding Judge Justice Jaiteh granted the motion to add count 21 and amended 19 and 20, respectively. The counts were read to the first accused, Paulo Djabi, for him to take a plea.
On Count 19 as amended Paulo Djabi was charged with the offence of money laundering contrary to section 22(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorist Financing Act.
The state alleged that Paulo Djabi, sometime between 2021 and 2023 at Fajara, concealed or disguised the illicit origin of the money, knowing that such money was proceeds of a crime to wit, he converted the said money by purchasing 13 vehicles of different types and models.
On count 20, the State alleged that Paulo Djabi, in 2021 and 2023 at Fajara, did conceal or disguise the illicit origin of the money, knowing that such money was proceeds of a crime to wit: he converted the said money by purchasing three (3) motorbikes of different models and types.
On count 21, Paulo is charged with the offence of Money Laundering contrary to section 22(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorist Financing Act, 2012. It alleged that the accused, in 2021 and 2023 at Fajara, did conceal or disguise the illicit origin of the money, knowing that such money was proceeds of a crime to wit: he converted the said money by purchasing a jet ski.
The accused pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
The state called its third witness, Babucarr Ngom a resident of Farato and also a military officer and captain in the Gambian Military. He testified that he recognised the accused during a Joint Investigation Team in August 2023.
He recalled that on 16 August 2023, the Joint Investigation Team converged at the National Security Adviser's office for briefing. He said the briefing was to investigate the information about South Americans involved in drug activities, and the first person whose name came up was Paulo Djabi. He added that they laid an ambush on the accused at Envy Night Club and waited until the club closed.
While the accused was going home, the witness testified “we stopped his car and opened it, then informed him that he was under arrest. I conducted a search on him and found a waist belt, some drugs on him, as confirmed by the drug law enforcement officer.
The substance was given to the witness, and after carefully looking at it, he confirmed that it was the drug they seized from the accused. State Counsel Lamin Jarju applied for the drug to be tendered into evidence.
The case was adjourned until 3rd March 2025.
