Businessman Sentenced to 36 Months for International Travel Fraud Scheme

A businessman has been sentenced to 36 months in prison for orchestrating an international travel scheme that defrauded a local victim of 48,000 Leones.

The convicted individual, identified as Kamara, received his sentence on Thursday, July 10, 2025, after appearing before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2.

Kamara faced two charges: conspiracy to defraud and obtaining money by false pretenses, in violation of applicable laws.

Court documents indicate that between August 1 and December 30, 2024, in Freetown, Kamara conspired with unidentified accomplices to defraud Brima Daramy. It was further alleged that during the same period, Kamara obtained forty-eight thousand Leones (Le 48,000) from Daramy under the false pretense of facilitating an overseas travel program to Albania for Daramy's nephew, Alie Daramy.

Upon reading and explaining the charges, Kamara did not enter a plea.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, prosecuting the case, informed the court that Kamara had no prior criminal record. The caution and charge statements were duly entered into court records.

Without legal representation, Kamara requested leniency from the court. In his mitigation, he stated that he was a first-time offender and expressed remorse for his actions.

Considering his plea and the circumstances, Magistrate Fornah discharged Kamara on the first count of conspiracy to defraud. However, he was sentenced to thirty-six months imprisonment for obtaining money by false pretenses, to be served in full, effective immediately.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat financial scams and protect unsuspecting victims.