By Ebrima Mbaye
The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has successfully convicted eight individuals in a robust crackdown on immigration fraud, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s identity and travel documents. The convictions, part of an ongoing initiative under Director General Ebrima Mboob, align with Goal 5 of the GID’s Strategic Plan, which emphasizes combating document fraud through enhanced enforcement, advanced staff training, and modern verification systems.
The GID’s Legal and Prosecution Unit, in collaboration with the Gambia Police Force, investigated and prosecuted multiple cases of fraudulent attempts to obtain Gambian documents. Immigration officers stationed at the Biometric Passport Office and Banjul International Airport detected these violations, uncovering schemes involving falsified records and false declarations.
Among the convicted individuals, Isatou Barry, a Sierra Leonean national, was fined D2,000 or sentenced to one year in prison for attempting to secure a Gambian passport with false documents. Similarly, Muhammed Jarra, a Malian national, faced the same penalty for using falsified records to obtain a passport. Edward A. Carney, another Sierra Leonean, was fined D2,000 or one year in default for false declaration. Abubakar Faqi, a Somalian national, received a heftier fine of D50,000 for forgery.
In other cases, Alieu Touray and Mustapha Jallow, both from Essau, were each fined D50,000 or sentenced to two years in default for attempting to commit a felony. Saibo Sillah and Bainey Touray faced fines of D50,000 and D30,000, respectively, or two years in default for personation. Ibrahim Tobadou was fined D25,000 or two years in default for forgery.
The GID emphasized that such offenses violate the Immigration Act of 1965 and its amendments, as well as other national laws. The department warned that obtaining or attempting to obtain national documents through fraudulent means, lending or selling such documents, or aiding others in these acts is strictly prohibited. While the national identity card is a right for Gambians, other documents, such as passports, are privileges that can be revoked if acquired deceitfully.
In a statement, Inspector Siman Lowe, the GID’s Public Relations Officer, underscored the department’s resolve: “The GID remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard the integrity of Gambian identity and travel documents, detect and deter immigration fraud, and ensure that all violations are addressed within the confines of the law.”
This crackdown reflects the GID’s broader efforts to modernize its systems and strengthen enforcement. By deploying advanced verification technologies and enhancing officer training, the department aims to curb the rising threat of immigration fraud. The recent convictions serve as a warning to potential offenders and a reassurance to citizens that the GID is vigilant in protecting the nation’s document security.
