Duo Detained in $32,000 Visa Fraud Case: Tombo Accomplice Remains Unidentified

An intricate fraud case unfolded at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Thursday, August 14, 2025, as 27-year-old businessman Musa Seaport Kamara and his alleged accomplice, Serro Sesay, faced a magistrate in connection with a sophisticated scheme to defraud victims of $32,000 USD (approximately 768,000 Leones).

The duo stands accused of three serious counts: conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretenses, and the unlawful possession of a passport belonging to another for illicit purposes. Police charge sheets detail allegations that Kamara and Sesay conspired with unknown individuals in Tombo, Freetown, to orchestrate the elaborate scam.

According to court documents, the first count alleges that between November 1 and 30, 2024, the defendants illicitly obtained $18,000 USD from Joseph Dawson Kamara. They purportedly promised to secure Brazilian visas for Kamara and others, knowing full well these claims were false.

The third count, particularly disturbing, states that between January 1 and 31, 2025, in Ghana, Musa Seaport Kamara, allegedly posing as a recruiter, knowingly misused Sierra Leonean passports belonging to others. The prosecution asserts this was done for unlawful purposes, with the intent to restrict the victims' movement and facilitate human trafficking.

Neither accused entered a plea when the charges were read aloud. The case has been adjourned to August 21, 2025, for further proceedings.

Prosecutor Thoronka K. called David Mansaray, a businessman acquainted with both the complainant and the accused, as the second witness. Mansaray’s testimony shed light on the initial interactions that led to the alleged fraud. He recounted receiving a call from Musa Seaport Kamara between November 1 and 30, 2024, who touted enticing travel opportunities to Canada, America, and Europe, expressing a particular interest in the American program.

Mansaray further testified that Kamara claimed he could secure a visa to Brazil as a stepping stone to America, even providing his mother’s phone number, whom he presented as a guarantor, for further arrangements.

Serro Sesay, the second accused, reportedly confirmed her prior involvement in issuing visas and handling transactions for Kamara. She acknowledged the inherent risk, stating she accepted that if the program failed, she would be pursued for the money.

David Mansaray detailed how he, Aminata Sesay, and another individual deposited $18,000 USD in Tombo for the travel arrangements. An agreement was reportedly signed with Kamara on loudspeakers during the transaction, with photographs taken as evidence. Serro Sesay and her son, Gibrilla Sesay, also signed the agreement.

Mansaray stated the funds were intended for himself, his wife Mildred D. Kamara, and Asiatu D. Kamara. He recalled Kamara’s assurances that visas would be issued within a month, claiming "contacts at immigration" would expedite the process. The victims were instructed to provide passport photos and pay an additional Le 5,000 for new passports.

After three weeks, the accused allegedly sent pictures purportedly showing visas, but with altered names – Osman Korka Diallo and Aminata Williams. When David expressed his concerns, Kamara reportedly reassured him the issue would be resolved.

He was later informed that full payment was required before passports could be issued, with Gibrilla Sesay instructed to receive an additional $8,000, which the victims paid through the same process. An additional $6,000 was reportedly paid to Haja Zainab Kamara in Funkia, Goderich, where further photographs and agreements were signed.

Defense Counsel Z.A. Kanu petitioned for bail, citing the accused’s Sierra Leonean residency, fixed addresses, and the availability of reliable sureties, as per Section 79(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965.

However, Magistrate Fornah denied bail due to the gravity of the charges and ordered both accused remanded at the male correctional center in Freetown. The case will resume on August 21, 2025.