By Isatou Sarr
The trial of two Austrian nationals, Manuel Di Stofleth Mitterer and Angelika Mitterer, accused of disobeying a lawful court order, continued on Friday before the Banjul Magistrates’ Court with the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness, Lamin Saidykhan.
Appearing for the Inspector General of Police were Commissioner A. Sanneh, ACP M. Manga, DSP E. Sarr and PC 9099 S. Sonko, while the accused persons were represented by Counsel Ida Drammeh and Counsel A.S. Tambadu.
Testifying before Magistrate M. Krubally, Saidykhan told the court that Angelika Mitterer is not a shareholder in Kasumai Real Estate, the company under which the Bitcoin Tower apartments were sold. However, he alleged that she created conditions that enabled funds to be transferred digitally to her partner, Manuel Mitterer.
The two accused persons are charged under Section 109 of the Criminal Offences Act for allegedly disobeying a court order issued on 21 July 2025 directing them to provide account details, passwords and access to a cryptocurrency wallet.
During the proceedings, disagreements arose between the prosecution and the defence over technical aspects related to cryptocurrency accounts.
Counsel Drammeh argued that such accounts are typically accessed through a web browser and requested to examine a laptop and a “box” said to belong to the accused persons.
The prosecution, led by Commissioner Sanneh, objected to the request, stating that investigations are still ongoing and that the case before the court concerns only the alleged disobedience of a court order.
In his ruling, Magistrate Krubally ordered that the laptop and the box tendered in court remain in the custody of the court until investigators formally request them.
He emphasised that although the items form part of the evidence, their use in the proceedings must follow established legal procedures.
The witness further told the court that Angelika Mitterer facilitated the setting up of a cryptocurrency wallet that allegedly enabled funds to be transferred to Manuel Mitterer, despite her not being a shareholder in the company.
The case was adjourned to 1 April 2026 at 11:00 a.m. for the continuation of the cross-examination of the witness.
