Gambia Police secure convictions in forged currency case

The Gambia Police Force has secured the conviction of two Gambian nationals, Cherno Abdourahman Mendy and Yaya Mendy, for purchasing forged bank notes, marking a significant step in the fight against financial crimes in the country.

The case, Inspector General of Police v. Cherno Abdourahman Mendy and Yaya Mendy, was heard on January 14, 2026, at the Bundung Magistrates’ Court before His Worship Magistrate I. Dibba. Both men, who are residents of the United Kingdom, were charged with a single count of purchasing forged bank notes, an offence contrary to Section 312(b) of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025.

Prosecutors told the court that the accused knowingly engaged in the purchase of counterfeit currency. The prosecution team, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police L. Badjie and Inspector B. Jarjue, presented the facts of the case and tendered several exhibits, all of which were admitted into evidence.

At the conclusion of the trial, Magistrate Dibba found both accused guilty as charged. Each was fined One Hundred Thousand Dalasis (D100,000), with a default sentence of two years’ imprisonment. In addition, the court ordered both convicts to jointly compensate eight complainants to the sum of Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dalasis (D450,000). Failure to pay the compensation would result in a further two-year prison term for each offender.

The court also directed that all recovered forged bank notes be forfeited to the State and destroyed by the Central Bank of The Gambia.

In a statement following the judgment, the Gambia Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to combating financial crimes and protecting the integrity of the country’s financial system. Authorities emphasized that the conviction sends a strong message that economic offences, particularly those involving counterfeit currency, will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.