By: Isatou Sarr
The Brikama Magistrates’ Court Monday convicted and sentenced sixty (60) Chinese nationals to pay a fine of twenty thousand dalasis (D20,000) each, having been found guilty on two-count charges of cybercrime-related offences.
The Presiding Magistrate, Anna O Mendy also rules that in case of default of payment of the fine, the convicts will serve one-month- imprisonment for each count and the sentences are to run consecutively.
The case was between the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and 60 Chinese nationals, who were charged with two counts of cybercrime-related offences.
The charges: unlawful possession of devices and data, and computer-related extortion, fraud, and forgery, were brought under Sections 168 (3) & (4) and 173 (2) & (3) of the Information and Communications Act, Cap 74:03 Volume 12, Laws of The Gambia 2009.
Deputy Commissioner M. Jarju, Assistant Commissioner M. Camara, and Assistant Commissioner F. Touray appeared for the prosecution, while Senior Counsel L.S. Camara represented the accused. All 60 accused persons were present in court.
Delivering the verdict, Magistrate Mendy stated that the process of arresting and prosecuting the convicts had resulted in economic losses to the state. Taking into account the forfeiture of items to the state and the impending deportation of the convicts, she invoked her discretion under Sections 34(3) and 35(1)(a)(b) of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.
The court further ordered that all used items recovered from the convicts – 242 cell phones, 44 laptops, and 33 desktops be forfeited to the Office of the IGP to aid in the fight against crime.
However, unused items, including 39 new desktop computers, 10 new laptops, and all personal mobile phones, bags, passports, bank cards, watches, and the contents of the bags, are to be returned to the convicts upon their release from custody.
Following the completion of their sentences, the convicts are to be confined at a secure location at their own expense, under the supervision of the Gambia Immigration Department, and deported within 10 days by land, sea, or air. Their deportation will be supervised by the immigration authorities.
