By: Alimatu Kargbo
The ongoing preliminary investigation into the alleged US$210,000 gold fraud case involving Admire Frances Bio Jalloh, 45, and Dauda Jalloh alias Alhaji Dausy, 42, was on Monday adjourned after the driver attached to the complainants testified and was cross-examined before Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1.
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 legal permission, and tax evasion.
According to the charge sheet, on diverse dates between 10 and 14 August 2025 at No. 1 DAJ Drive, Mile 13, Freetown Peninsula, the accused allegedly conspired with other persons unknown to defraud Italian businessmen, Fanni Giuseppe and Alfio Siracusa, of US$210,000 by falsely representing that they operated a legitimate gold trading business.
The prosecution further alleged that the accused fraudulently obtained US$100,000 from the complainants by claiming that GAN Minerals Sierra Leone Limited was a genuine and licensed company capable of selling three kilograms of gold.
It was also alleged that they subsequently obtained an additional US$110,000 under the same false representation and later collected a further US$15,000, purportedly to pay export taxes for the three kilograms of gold.
The prosecution further alleged that on 13 August 2025 at Milton Margai College Drive, Goderich, the accused conspired to rob the complainants of three kilograms of gold valued at US$210,000.
Other counts allege that the accused knowingly possessed proceeds of crime amounting to US$100,000 and US$110,000, received US$210,000 through a forged receipt purportedly issued by GAN Minerals Sierra Leone Limited, uttered a forged payment invoice with intent to defraud, sold three kilograms of gold without legal authorization, and wilfully evaded tax on the transaction.
When the charges were read and explained, no plea was taken because the matter is before the court by way of committal proceedings.
Led in evidence by State Prosecutor Yusuf Isaac Sesay Esq., Prosecution Witness No. 2, Ibrahim Sesay, testified that he recognised both accused persons as well as the complainants.
During cross-examination by defence counsel Melron C. Nicole Wilson Esq., the witness stated that he was initially employed by Abdulai Bah to work for Admire Frances Bio Jalloh. He said he later received a telephone number of a person he was instructed to drive. Upon arrival, he met a man identified as Buddy, described as the former Lebanese manager of Lagoonda Hotel, who thereafter gave him instructions.
The witness testified that Buddy instructed him to transport the two Italian complainants to Mile 13. After the trip, he returned with them and, upon reaching Milton Margai College Junction, the complainants informed him that they preferred to return to their accommodation at Goderich instead of Lagoonda Hotel.
He further told the court that while travelling, they were intercepted by individuals dressed in military uniforms, Operational Support Division (OSD) uniforms, and plain clothes. According to the witness, the officers searched the vehicle after knocking on the driver’s door and questioning him.
The witness said the individual seated in front requested a Le20 banknote, adding that he did not witness any other items being taken from the vehicle.
He further testified that Buddy later arrived at the scene, after which they all proceeded to Adonkia Police Station, where he was invited to make a statement.
Following the conclusion of the witness’s testimony, Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah adjourned the matter to 6 August 2026 for further hearing. Bail was continued for both accused persons.
