Sierra Leone’s security forces have arrested 18 people and detained approximately 400 others during a crackdown on a suspected international cybercrime network operating in Freetown and Kenema.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the intelligence-led operations were conducted in the early hours of Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in collaboration with the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA).
The raids reportedly led to the seizure of 1,206 mobile phones, more than 500 computers and monitors, laptops, nine CPUs, five servers, 301 passports and 339 SIM cards, including 289 international and 50 local SIM cards.
Other items seized included an iPad, translator glasses, a smartwatch, chargers, accessories, 22 dry-cell batteries and an automatic voltage regulator.
The Ministry said those detained include Sierra Leoneans and foreign nationals of African and Asian origin. Investigations are ongoing to establish the network’s activities, international connections, sources of funding and individuals involved in its operations.
The Government reiterated its commitment to preventing Sierra Leone from becoming a base for cybercrime and warned that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Ministry also urged members of the public to report suspected cybercrime activities to the relevant authorities.
