The Attorney General should file criminal charges against all those involved in the $30 million Russian crude petroleum fraud, according to the National Assembly Joint Committee, which is made up of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee and the Public Enterprise Committee.
“The Attorney General should initiate criminal proceedings against all persons found wanting,” the committee stressed in its report.
In relation to the issue, the report also urges that Access Bank and Ecobank be sanctioned for violating prudential risk criteria. “Sanctions be imposed on Access Bank and Ecobank for violating prudential risk guidelines.”
Furthermore, it has been recommended that the Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) begin both internal and criminal investigations into potential collaboration and regulatory infractions by Access Bank executives.
“The possible collaboration and regulatory violations by Access Bank officials should be the subject of both internal and criminal investigations by the CBG. Individual personnel must face prosecution under financial crime and anti-money laundering laws when involvement is proven, the study stated.
The committee further suggests that the Petroleum Commission and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) carry out a special investigation to ascertain whether Apogee FZC was given unwarranted privileges.
According to the study, “the Petroleum Commission and PURA should conduct a special inquiry to establish the basis upon which ullage privileges were granted exclusively to Apogee FZC.”
Furthermore, according to the report, any public servants who enabled departures from established protocols without Cabinet consent—such as depot executives and Ministry employees—should face personal consequences.
“Any public officials, including depot executives or Ministry staff, who enabled this deviation from set standards without Cabinet-approved policy direction must be held personally liable for abuse of office,” the statement reads.
Additionally, the committee suggests that GamPetroleum be barred from making any contracts with Apogee Gambia Ltd. If such a contract already exists, it ought to be dissolved right away.
“If a contract is made between GamPetroleum and Apogee Gambia Ltd., it should be terminated immediately,” the report stated. “GamPetroleum should not enter into any agreements with Apogee Gambia Ltd.”
The study further suggests that Mr. Yerro Jallow be put on administrative leave while the Minister of Justice reviews the recommendation. In his sworn evidence, Mr. Jallow allegedly deceived the committee, according to the report.
“The Attorney General and Minister of Justice shall review all of Mr. Yerro Jallow’s oath-assisted submissions to the Joint Committee and bring criminal perjury charges against him for willfully misleading the Assembly.”
Lastly, the report emphasizes that there would be severe consequences for failure to comply with these resolutions.
“Administrative sanctions, suspension, termination, or criminal prosecution, as applicable, will be imposed for noncompliance with these resolutions,” the report stated.
