Gambiaj.com – (Jenoi, The Gambia) – Operatives of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), working alongside personnel from the State Intelligence Services (SIS), The Gambia Police Force, and a Military Intelligence Officer, arrested three individuals on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the Jenoi checkpoint in the Lower River Region. The suspects, including a Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) employee, were found in possession of a substantial amount of cash, raising concerns about the origin and purpose of the funds.
The operation, conducted around 4:15 p.m. GMT, targeted a private ash-colored vehicle with the registration number WCR 7133 C, carrying Lamin Marong, a resident of Farato and an employee of the Central Bank, along with Lamin Darboe of Farato and Famara Njie of Sanchaba. A routine inspection of the vehicle revealed a multicolored bag containing $57,800 in U.S. currency and D370,000 in Gambian Dalasis.
Cash Breakdown and Suspects’ Accounts
The cash was meticulously counted in the presence of the suspects to confirm the total amount. The U.S. dollars were all in $100 denominations, while the Dalasis were bundled as follows:
D290,000 in D100 notes, together with D70,000 in D50 notes and another set of D10,000 in D50 notes.
When questioned, Lamin Marong claimed that the $57,800 was handed to him by a senior Central Bank official for delivery to his father. He stated that the purpose of the funds was “best known to the sender.” Regarding the Dalasis, Marong explained that the money included exchanged old notes and funds intended for a Gamo (religious gathering) in their home village in Mandory, North Bank Region.
The group reported they were en route to Mandory when they were stopped at the checkpoint.
Further Investigation
After the discovery, the suspects were escorted to a nearby office where the cash was counted and preliminary questioning conducted. The suspects and the seized money were subsequently handed over to the Mansakonko Police Station for further investigation and appropriate action.
Authorities have yet to confirm the legitimacy of the suspects’ explanations or the source of the funds. The incident raises questions about cash handling practices within the Central Bank and potential lapses in regulatory oversight.
Heightened Security
The operation underscores the importance of heightened security measures and inter-agency collaboration in curbing financial crimes and safeguarding the nation’s financial system. Investigations are ongoing, and officials assure the public of transparency in handling the case.
This arrest has sparked public interest, with many calling for stricter oversight of cash movement and accountability among public officials.
