Speaking to AG Radio, Mr. Sulayman Ben Suwareh expresses his concerns regarding the significant corruption associated with Minister Hamat Bah. Mr. Suwareh stated that Open Gambia has been looking into the corruption, fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion associated with Hamat Bah, with many revelations expected to emerge soon. Open Gambia has obtained the following insights from a source within the Religious Ministry.
This year marks a significant first, as a State Minister has taken a direct role in Hajj operational matters. Hamat Bah has been interfering in the operational matters of the Hajj, negatively impacting both operators and pilgrims.
At first, Hamat pinpointed a middleman in Saudi Arabia and mandated his involvement with the airlines authorised to transport Gambian pilgrims for this year’s Hajj. He coerced the Hajj Chairman and his deputies into signing the hotel and food services agreement, warning that failure to comply would result in their dismissal from their roles as Hajj leaders.
Right after signing the contract, Hamat instructed the airline agencies to transfer an advance deposit of 40% directly to his partner, the middleman in Saudi Arabia, which clearly contravened the Saudi regulation requiring all payments to be processed through the electronic system. When it came time to make the payment, no single agency possessed sufficient funds, prompting Hamat to compel them to seek AGIB loans amounting to over US$2 million.
The request from Hamat for the funds to be transferred directly to his partner’s private bank account is unlawful, as Saudi Arabian law stipulates that all payments related to Hajj must go through the banking system of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj. The Saudi government can effectively determine and gather the necessary taxes to enhance Hajj facilities through that process. The Ministry of Hajj oversees the service providers to guarantee that pilgrims obtain value for their expenditures.
Moreover, transferring funds directly to Hamat’s partner’s private bank account amounts to tax evasion. The Saudi government will refrain from collecting the applicable tax as the payment occurred outside the electronic system. Enhanced In Saudi Arabia, tax is levied at a rate of 15%, indicating that Hamat and his associates have distributed more than $300,000 in tax that the Gambian pilgrims are obligated to pay to the Saudi Arabian government. The most perilous aspect is that Hamat’s partner is aware that receiving hajj payments directly into his private bank account is against the law. He understands that he will not be held responsible for the over US$2 million if he declines to offer services as outlined in the MOU because of the unlawful actions they have committed. Hamat has executed a colossal scam in the history of Hajj in The Gambia by defrauding Gambian pilgrims and the government of Saudi Arabia.
Hamat returned from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he recently met his partner. Is it possible that those funds ended up in the Minister’s pocket? I have no idea either.
The Minister consistently behaves with arrogance, showing no concern for potential consequences or accountability for his actions. His blatant disregard for the National Assembly during his tenure as Minister of Tourism and Culture is something you will remember. Unfortunately, this blatant arrogance, showing minimal regard for individuals, protocols, and processes, jeopardises the success of this year’s hajj, as longstanding arrangements are being disregarded.
It is concerning that the majority of hajj operators are diligent women who merit support, yet the Minister’s actions are failing to foster a conducive environment for their success.
This concludes part one of the episode focussing on Hamat and his axis of evil as they unleash chaos on Gambian pilgrims. Further unsettling revelations regarding the Hajj will be explored in parts two and three, so viewer discretion is recommended.
