Bitcoin Tower Dispute Reaches Critical Moment as Court Weighs Austrian Investor’s Medical Travel Request

In the case of The Inspector General of Police v Angelika Mitterer and Manuel Stofleth-Mitterer, a court ruling expected today could determine whether Austrian developer Angelika Mitterer is temporarily allowed to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment, nearly a year after the couple’s passports were taken into police custody.

Written by: Seringe ST Touray

A ruling expected from Principal Magistrate Krubally today could determine whether Austrian developer Angelika Mitterer is temporarily allowed to leave The Gambia for urgent medical treatment abroad before returning on July 3, 2026.

Angelika and her husband, Manuel Stofleth-Mitterer, relocated to The Gambia with their daughter and became key figures behind the Bitcoin Tower and The Edge developments. Their partnership with local businessman Ebrima Solomon Tamba later broke down following disputes over project finances, undocumented expenditures, shareholder control, alleged pressure tactics and other contested matters. Mr Tamba has denied wrongdoing and disputed many of the allegations made against him.

Ahead of Monday’s hearing, Angelika’s legal team had already written to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Seedy Muctarr Touray regarding her medical condition and need for treatment abroad.

When the application came before the court on Monday, prosecutors demanded proof of the medical need. The defence produced a medical certificate and an English translation, after which the matter was adjourned to today for a ruling by Principal Magistrate Krubally.

The couple’s passports have remained in police custody for nearly a year, despite repeated concerns raised over the legal basis for their continued retention. The issue previously drew the attention of Austrian diplomatic representatives, who questioned why the travel documents continued to be held for such an extended period.

The case has attracted attention well beyond the courtroom. Investors and business observers continue to scrutinise both the allegations and the handling of the proceedings, with some viewing the outcome as a test of how complex commercial disputes involving foreign investors are resolved in The Gambia.

The Fatu Network can further confirm that since publication of its earlier investigations, additional individuals, including Gambians, have come forward with documents and accounts relating to separate land and development disputes involving Mr Tamba and associated business networks. Several individuals told The Fatu Network they decided to come forward after reading the earlier Bitcoin Tower reports. Their accounts and supporting documents are currently being independently reviewed.