The Gambia Immigration Department (GID), under the leadership of Director General Ebrima Mboob, has taken a firm and uncompromising stance against immigration fraud, including attempts to obtain, or obtaining, national documents through false declarations, deceit, impersonation, or other fraudulent means. This initiative forms a critical component of Goal 5 of the GID Strategic Plan: Immigration Fraud.
In preserving the integrity and sanctity of national documents, the department has enhanced the capacity of its staff in detecting fraudulent documents through rigorous examination and verification techniques. Noting the deployment of cutting-edge border management systems at land, sea and air borders, the GID has also established a state-of-the-art document examination laboratory in Tanji, with technical assistance from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), to provide advanced document forensic analysis.
Over the past months, immigration officers at the Biometric Passport Office and Banjul International Airport have recorded several instances of document fraud. Each case has been pursued with relentless commitment through meticulous investigations and prosecutions by the Legal and Prosecution Unit, with support from the Gambia Police Force. Notable prosecutions include the following cases:
• Isatou Barry, a Sierra Leonean national, attempted to use a false Gambian birth certificate and ID card to obtain a Gambian passport, contrary to Section 31 of the Immigration Act. She was fined D2,000 or, in default, one year’s imprisonment;
• Muhammed Jarra, a Malian national, attempted to acquire a Gambian passport using false documents, including a Gambian birth certificate, ID card, and a copy of another citizen’s ID. He was fined D2,000 or one year imprisonment in default.
• Edward A. Carney, a Sierra Leonean national, attempted to obtain a Gambian passport by false declaration. He was fined D2,000 or one year imprisonment in default;
• Abubakar Faqi, a Somalian national, was charged with forgery and subsequently fined D50,000 by the court;
• Alieu Touray and Mustapha Jallow, both residents of Essau, attempted to commit a felony contrary to Section 365 of the Criminal Code. Each accused was fined D50,000 or, in default, two years’ imprisonment;
• Saibo Sillah was charged with personation under Section 331(1) of the Criminal Offence Act 2025. He was fined D50,000 or, in default, two years’ imprisonment;
• Bainey Touray was charged with personation under Section 331(1) of the Criminal Offence Act 2025. He was fined D30,000 or, in default, two years’ imprisonment; and
• Ibrahim Tobadou, charged with forgery under Section 200 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025, was fined D25,000 or, in default, two years’ imprisonment.
The GID unequivocally warns that any individual who obtains or attempts to obtain national documents; gives, sells, or lends documents to facilitate impersonation; uses or possesses forged or altered national documents without lawful authority; or aids or assists any person in fraudulently acquiring national documents commits an offence and will face prosecution under the Immigration Act 1965 and its amendments, and other applicable laws.
Individuals, both Gambians and non-Gambians, are cautioned to refrain from any act that compromises national security. It is imperative to note that the issuance of national documents, except the national Identity Card, is a privilege, not a right. Thus, any action that undermines the authenticity of such documents may warrant revocation.
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.
