New details have emerged regarding the case of Lamin Marong, a Central Bank of Gambia employee who was intercepted at the Jenoi checkpoint with D370,000 and $57,800.
In an interview with TAT, Marong’s father, Baba Marong, a prominent Islamic scholar from Badibu Mandory, addressed the situation following his son’s arrest.
Baba Marong emphasized that the confiscated funds belong to him and were derived from donations and proceeds related to his Islamic activities. He explained that the money was collected in preparation for an Islamic ceremony scheduled for Saturday in his home village.
Denying any allegations of wrongdoing or money laundering, Baba Marong described the funds as “clean cash.” He stated, “I am a farmer, and I gave the money to my son for safekeeping as I intend to buy some tractors for the next farming season. These monies were given to me after my Talibeh contributed to support me.”
While acknowledging his son’s employment at the Central Bank, Baba Marong maintained that Lamin was not involved in the ownership of the funds. He expressed confidence that the truth would emerge as the police investigation unfolded.
Baba Marong has traveled to Mansa Konko to clarify the funds for the police. Meanwhile, while two friends traveling with Lamin have been released, he remains in custody at the police headquarters in Banjul as authorities continue investigating the money’s origins.
The Gambia Police Force has officially announced the commencement of an investigation into the case involving Lamin Marong, an individual alleged to be an employee of the Central Bank of Gambia. According to a statement from the police spokesman, Marong was intercepted at the Jenoi checkpoint on January 24, 2025, while possessing $57,800 and D370,000 in cash.
The police are currently working to establish the source and intended use of the funds. The statement emphasized the Gambia Police Force’s commitment to transparency, public safety, and justice. Authorities have pledged to keep the public updated as the investigation progresses.
