Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Police Force has launched an investigation into an alleged counterfeit currency case involving suspected fake United States dollar notes in the West Coast Region (WCR).

According to a police notice dated January 8, 2026, the Anti-Crime Unit in Brufut, Ghana Town, commenced investigations on Thursday following a report from a Bureau de Change operator in Kololi. The operator alleged that a young man presented Four Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars (US$450) in suspected counterfeit notes for exchange at her bureau.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the complainant handed over Thirty-Three Thousand and Seventy-Five Dalasis (D33,075) to the suspect. The suspect reportedly collected the money and immediately fled the scene in a vehicle before the operator realized that the dollar notes were counterfeit.

Upon discovering the fake currency, the Bureau de Change operator raised an alarm and sought assistance. A tourist taxi driver responded and pursued the suspects from Kololi through Bijilo and into Brufut.

Police said that upon reaching Brufut, two occupants of the suspect vehicle reportedly alighted and escaped, while one suspect was apprehended. The arrested individual was conveyed to the police station along with the suspected counterfeit currency.

The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue, while efforts are underway to trace and arrest the remaining suspects who fled.

The Gambia Police Force has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or by calling 996-8885. Police said further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.