Man Sentenced to Four Years for Purchasing and Circulating Counterfeit Banknotes
Sample notes- photo-Kexx
By Buba Gagigo
The Gambia Police Force (GPF) has confirmed that Cherno Bah, 30, has been sentenced to four years in prison for purchasing and circulating counterfeit banknotes. In addition to his prison sentence, Bah has been ordered to pay 115,000 dalasis in compensation to the victims of his fraudulent activities.
Bah’s conviction follows a case brought before the Brusubi Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to the charge of purchasing forged currency on April 30, 2025. He was sentenced after appearing before Her Worship Isatou Jallow on May 5, 2025, for the presentation of facts and sentencing.According to police investigations, Bah’s crime extended beyond simple possession of counterfeit banknotes. He was found to have actively circulated the forged currency at various exchange bureaus, causing financial losses amounting to 115,000 dalasis. The court noted that Bah’s actions went beyond mere possession, highlighting the intentional distribution of fake currency, which led to significant harm to legitimate businesses.
“The Police in Brusubi has secured a conviction in the case of Cherno Bah, who was previously charged with purchasing forged banknotes before her Worship Isatou Jallow at the Brusubi Magistrates’ Court,” the police said.
“He appeared before the court again today, 5th May 2025, for presentation of facts and sentencing. Investigations revealed that Cherno Bah did not merely possess the forged currency but proceeded to circulate the notes at various exchange bureaus, resulting in financial losses amounting to D115,000. The court stated that the offence went beyond simple possession and involved the deliberate circulation of counterfeit currency causing harm to legitimate businesses,” the police said.
As a result of the prosecution’s request, the court also awarded compensation to the victims under Sections 145 and 31 of the Criminal Procedure and Criminal Codes. In the event that Bah fails to pay the compensation, he will serve an additional two years in prison.
“Consequently, the accused was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment and ordered to pay D115,000 in compensation to the victims, in default to serve an additional 2 years imprisonment. The forged currency was forfeited to the State for destruction,” they concluded.