Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) — The Anti-Crime Unit of the Gambian police arrested seven Nigerian nationals aged between 19 and 40 for alleged involvement in cyber-related crimes during a routine patrol on Saturday. The suspects were found in possession of a significant array of electronic devices, including six laptops, ten smartphones, two simple phones, and 25 SIM cards (19 Africell, 2 Qcell, and 4 unidentified).

Following an investigation, the individuals have been charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, computer-related extortion fraud, and unlawful possession of devices and data. These charges fall under sections 173(2), 173(3), 168(3), and 168(4) of the Information and Communication Act, Cap 74, Volume 12.

The police emphasized their ongoing vigilance in maintaining law and order, particularly against cyber-related crimes, to protect citizens from such activities. They urged the public to continue cooperating by reporting any suspicious behavior in their communities.

In a separate development, the Police Prosecution Unit successfully secured convictions against two Liberian nationals, Jonathan Papafloma and Wilfred Sayee, for counterfeit-related offenses. The suspects faced charges of purchasing forged notes and obtaining money by false pretense, contrary to sections 334 and 288 of the Criminal Code Cap 10:01 Vol. III, Revised Laws of The Gambia, 2009.

The Banjul Magistrate Court handed down the following sentences:

Count I: Purchasing Forged Notes — A fine of D150,000 each or, in default, two years in prison with hard labor.
Count II: Obtaining Money by False Pretense — A fine of D50,000 each or, in default, one year in prison with hard labor.

Additionally, both individuals were ordered to pay compensation of D319,000 each; failure to do so will result in five years in prison with hard labor.

The Office of the Inspector General of Police reaffirmed its commitment to swift investigation and prosecution to ensure public safety and security at all times.