Gold Fraud Case: Key Witness Testifies as US$210,000 Trial Continues

The ongoing preliminary investigation into an alleged US$210,000 gold fraud case involving Admire Frances Bio Jalloh, 45, and Dauda Jalloh alias Alhaji Dausy, 42, has been adjourned following testimony from a key prosecution witness at the Pademba Road Court No. 1.

The witness, Ibrahim Sesay, a driver attached to the complainants, appeared before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah on Monday, where he recounted his experience during the alleged incident and was cross-examined by the defence.

During his testimony, Sesay identified both accused persons and the complainants, explaining his role in transporting the Italian businessmen involved in the matter.

The witness told the court that he was initially employed by Abdulai Bah to work for Admire Frances Bio Jalloh and later received instructions from Buddy, a former Lebanese manager of Lagoonda Hotel, to transport the complainants to Mile 13.

According to Sesay, the vehicle was intercepted during the journey by individuals dressed in military uniforms, Operational Support Division (OSD) uniforms, and plainclothes. He said the officers stopped the vehicle, knocked on the driver’s door, and conducted a search.

The driver stated that one of the officers requested a Le20 banknote, but he did not see any other items being taken from the vehicle. He further told the court that Buddy later arrived at the scene, after which they proceeded to Adonkia Police Station, where he was asked to provide a statement.

The accused persons are facing an 11-count charge including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, conspiracy to rob, money laundering, receiving money on a forged document, uttering a forged document, selling minerals without lawful permission, and tax evasion.

The allegations relate to claims that the accused persons defrauded Italian businessmen Fanni Giuseppe and Alfio Siracusa by allegedly presenting GAN Minerals Sierra Leone Limited as a legitimate gold trading company.

Prosecutors allege that the accused obtained US$100,000 and US$110,000 from the complainants under false pretences, with an additional US$15,000 allegedly paid as export taxes.

Following the witness testimony and cross-examination, Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah adjourned the matter to 6 August 2026 for continuation of proceedings. Bail granted to both accused persons was also maintained.