U.S. Returns $2.5 Million in Corruption Proceeds to The Gambia for Jammeh Victims
The U.S. Department of Justice has returned approximately $2.5 million in corruption proceeds to the Republic of The Gambia, with the money designated to compensate eligible victims of the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh.
The transfer follows the forfeiture and sale of a mansion in Potomac, Maryland, that U.S. authorities said was purchased for the personal use of Jammeh and his wife, Zineb Jammeh, using criminal proceeds and misappropriated Gambian public funds. The net proceeds returned to The Gambia total $2,507,911.73.
According to the allegations in the forfeiture complaint, Jammeh obtained millions of dollars through embezzlement of public funds and bribes solicited from businesses seeking monopoly rights in sectors of the Gambian economy. U.S. authorities also alleged that Jammeh, family members and close associates used shell companies and overseas trusts to move and conceal corrupt proceeds internationally.
The United States forfeited and liquidated the Maryland property. The Justice Department said cooperation from Gambian officials helped facilitate the successful forfeiture and return of the proceeds.
Under the transfer agreement, The Gambia is to use the recovered money to compensate eligible victims of the Jammeh regime as defined by the Gambian Victims Reparations Act of 2023.
