Sierra Leone security forces arrested 18 individuals and detained approximately 400 others during operations conducted in Freetown and Kenema. These actions targeted an international cybercrime network operating within the country. The Ministry of Information and Civic Education issued an official press release regarding the security operations on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. The government confirmed the arrests as part of a move to dismantle illegal digital activities across the two cities. Authorities remain engaged in processing the detainees as investigations into the network continue. The scope of these operations reflects a coordinated effort by the state to mitigate the impact of organized digital crime on national infrastructure.
Scope of the Operation
Detainees processed by security forces following the raids include a mix of Sierra Leonean citizens and foreign nationals. These individuals, originating from various countries across Africa and Asia, remain in custody as investigators examine their roles in the dismantled network. The presence of foreign nationals among the detained group notes the transnational nature of the criminal enterprise that authorities sought to disrupt through these targeted raids in Freetown and Kenema.
Law enforcement officers recovered a significant volume of electronic hardware and identity documentation during the search of premises in Freetown and Kenema. Officials confirmed the seizure of 1,206 mobile phones along with a combined total of more than 500 computers and monitors. Additionally, the inventory of seized items includes 301 passports, which are currently being analyzed by the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation to verify the travel histories and legal status of those apprehended. The physical evidence collected during these raids provides the basis for the current legal proceedings against the suspects.
The cache of telecommunications equipment also contains 339 SIM cards. According to the data provided by the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA), 289 of these SIM cards are international, while 50 are registered locally within Sierra Leone. William Fayia Sellu confirmed that these items are being held as evidence to support the ongoing criminal investigation into the network’s operations. The Ministry of Information and Civic Education continues to oversee the coordination of the evidence-gathering process as authorities work to determine how these devices were utilized to facilitate illegal digital activities. The technical analysis of the 339 SIM cards, specifically the distinction between the 289 international cards and the 50 locally registered cards, remains a priority for investigators tasked with mapping the network's communication channels. As the investigation progresses, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education is expected to provide further updates on the legal status of the 400 detainees and the 18 primary suspects identified during the operation. The hardware evidence, including the 1,206 mobile phones and the 301 passports, is now under the custody of the relevant state agencies to ensure the integrity of the prosecution's case.
