Sierra Leone’s security forces have launched a major crackdown on a suspected international cybercrime network, arresting 18 individuals and detaining approximately 400 others during coordinated intelligence-led operations in Freetown and Kenema.
The operations, conducted in collaboration with the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA), resulted in the seizure of more than 1,200 mobile phones, hundreds of computers, passports, SIM cards, servers and other electronic equipment believed to be connected to the suspected criminal activities.
The development was confirmed in an official Press Release issued on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, which described the operations as part of the Government’s determination to prevent Sierra Leone from becoming a centre for international cybercrime.
According to the Ministry, those detained include Sierra Leonean citizens and foreign nationals of African and Asian origin, raising concerns about the possible involvement of an organized criminal network operating across international borders.
The scale of the raids and the volume of electronic devices recovered have prompted investigations into the suspected network’s operations, financial arrangements, international connections and the individuals who may have organized or facilitated its activities within Sierra Leone.
Security personnel recovered a total of 1,206 mobile phones, more than 500 computers and monitors, 301 passports and 339 SIM cards, among other items.
Of the SIM cards confiscated, 289 were international while 50 were locally registered, suggesting that investigators may need to examine possible communications links extending beyond Sierra Leone.
Other equipment seized included laptops, nine central processing units (CPUs), five servers, an iPad, translator glasses, a smartwatch, chargers and various electronic accessories. Officers also recovered 22 dry-cell batteries and an automatic voltage regulator.
The discovery of such a substantial quantity of telecommunications equipment has heightened concerns about the possible sophistication and reach of the suspected operation.
However, the Government has not yet disclosed the specific cybercrime offences under investigation, the nationalities of the foreign detainees or the precise roles allegedly played by those arrested.
Authorities have also not established publicly whether the recovered passports and electronic devices were used in criminal activities. Those matters are expected to form part of the ongoing investigations.
In its statement, the Ministry emphasized that Sierra Leone would not be allowed to serve as an operational base for individuals or organisations engaged in cybercrime.
The Government, working through the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, NaTCA and the country’s security services, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national telecommunications infrastructure against exploitation for unlawful purposes.
It further warned that investigations would be comprehensive and that anyone found responsible for criminal conduct would face prosecution in accordance with Sierra Leonean law.
The latest development brings renewed attention to the growing challenge of cybercrime and the importance of strengthening cooperation among law enforcement agencies, telecommunications regulators and other institutions responsible for national security.
The involvement of NaTCA in the operations also underscores the importance of telecommunications oversight in identifying suspicious activities and supporting investigations into the possible misuse of communications systems.
Beyond the arrests and seizures, investigators are expected to examine the origins and ownership of the recovered equipment, the nature of the suspected activities and whether individuals or organisations outside Sierra Leone were connected to the operations.
The authorities have not announced when the investigations will be completed or whether additional arrests are anticipated.
Meanwhile, the Government has appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cybercrime activities and suspicious operations to the appropriate authorities.
The Ministry assured the public that further verified information would be released as investigations progress.
While the arrests represent a significant security operation, the allegations against those detained remain subject to investigation and criminal responsibility must be established through the appropriate legal processes.
The Government’s latest action signals an intensified effort to safeguard Sierra Leone’s communications infrastructure, strengthen national security and prevent suspected international criminal networks from exploiting the country for unlawful activities.
