By: Isatou Sarr
Sixty Chinese nationals were arraigned and convicted on Wednesday, 10th September 2025, at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court in the West Coast Region on two counts of cybercrime-related offences, including unlawful possession of devices and data, and computer-related extortion, fraud, and forgery.
The case was presided over by Principal Magistrate Anna O. Mendy. The prosecution was led by Deputy Commissioner M. Jarju, Assistant Commissioner M. Camara, and Assistant Commissioner F. Touray, representing the Inspector General of Police. The accused were represented by Senior Counsel L.S. Camara.
For their charges and pleas, on Count One, the accused were charged with unlawful possession of devices and data, contrary to Section 168 (3) & (4) of the Information and Communication Act Cap 74:03 Volume 12 Laws of
The Gambia 2009.
The particulars of the offence stated that, in September 2025, at Tujereng and other locations, the accused were found in possession of 242 mobile phones (marked iPhone, Motorola, and Redmi), 72 desktop computers, 54 laptops of various brands, 7 wireless routers, a flat-screen TV, and other computer accessories all with the intent to commit criminal offences.
On Count Two, they were charged with computer-related extortion, fraud, and forgery, contrary to Section 173(2)(1)(3) of the same Act. The prosecution alleged the equipment was used to produce fake data across various social media platforms, thereby committing cyber fraud.
The charges were read in English and interpreted into Chinese. All 60 accused persons pleaded guilty.
Narrating the fact of the case, Assistant Commissioner F. Touray narrated the facts of the case, explaining that police, acting on a tip-off, raided two buildings in Tujereng and Batokunku suspected of being used for illegal cyber operations. Upon searching the premises, officers recovered a large quantity of electronic devices, including 242 mobile phones, 72 desktop computers, 54 laptops, and two Starlink internet systems.
Describing the operation as a sophisticated cybercrime syndicate, involving online fraud using WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, and cryptocurrency platforms like Coinbase and Crypto.com. The suspects allegedly used VPNs to mask their locations and attempted to hide their passports to evade arrest.
According to the prosecution, the syndicate had invested heavily in technology, logistics, and properties to facilitate a large-scale cyber fraud operation in The Gambia.
Due to the volume of items recovered, 21 photographs of the equipment were tendered as evidence. The court admitted the photos as exhibits, with no objection from the defence.
Plea on their behalf for mercy, Senior Counsel L.S. Camara appealed to the court for leniency, noting that the accused had entered the country lawfully and were first-time offenders with no complaints filed against them.
“Your Worship, these convicts have not wasted the court’s time. A trial involving 60 non-English speakers would have been logistically overwhelming. They pleaded guilty at the first appearance,” he stated.
He further asked the court to temper justice with mercy, emphasizing that no individual or Gambian was personally harmed by the actions of the accused.
D.C. M. Jarju supported the defence’s call for non-custodial sentencing but made an application under Section 16 of the Immigration Act for the convicts to be deported to China and Vietnam at their own cost after sentencing.
He also applied for the forfeiture of recovered items, including the 242 mobile phones, 54 laptops, and 72 desktop computers, to the Gambia Police Force, to enhance operational capacity.
Senior Counsel Camara did not object but requested that new, boxed computers and laptops, along with personal items such as mobile phones, watches, bank cards, passports, and bags, be returned to the accused. One bag reportedly contained $3,000 and $50,000 in cash.
The prosecution did not object to this request.
At this juncture, the matter was adjourned to Thursday, 11th September 2025, for sentencing.
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