By: Cecilia E.L. Mendy
The trial of Paulo Djabi Monday resumed before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of Banjul High Court with a former cashier testifying.
It would be recalled that Paulo Djabi was involved in an alleged money laundering case and Counsel S.L. Jobarteh represented the State, while S.M. Tambedou appeared for the accused.
Testifying as a witness, Alagie M. Jallow, a former cashier at Barry’s Bureau de Change told the court that he joined the bureau in 2019. While his primary role was as a cashier, Jallow explained that his duties also included reconciliation and participation in other operational activities.
He said that during his time at the bureau, he handled currency exchanges involving Pounds, Dollars, Euros, and CFA Francs, and that these transactions included exchanges conducted by the first accused, Paulo Djabi.
Jallow stated that Djabi frequently visited the bureau to exchange money, which was how they became acquainted.
According to the witness, Djabi conducted multiple transactions involving dollars and euros, and on some occasions, exchanged funds into dalasis. He explained that the bureau had a policy requiring staff to report suspicious transactions, particularly those involving amounts up to one hundred dollars or euros if the source of the income was unknown.
Jallow said he exercised due diligence when Djabi’s transactions became frequent.
He said once quizzed on his funds, Djabi explained that the funds were related to his real estate business and construction-related payments.
The witness noted that these transactions occurred over time and were not continuous.
Jallow further confirmed that he authored the statement presented in court and identified it by his handwriting and signature. The statement was subsequently admitted into evidence.
The case was adjourned to Thursday, 12 March 2026, for further proceedings.