Orange Sierra Leone and its subsidiary, Orange Money SL Ltd, have uncovered a case of financial fraud involving agency contract workers, including Field Sales Agents (FSAs), suspected of manipulating customer credentials without consent. The development has sparked renewed public assurance from the company that it remains fully committed to protecting its customers and upholding the highest standards of ethics.
The fraudulent activity was brought to light during a routine internal audit, when Orange’s robust control systems flagged irregular transactions. These systems, designed to safeguard customer assets and ensure compliance, enabled the company to swiftly identify and isolate the scheme before it could spread further.
“This case highlights the strength of our anti-fraud mechanisms,” said Alfie Barrie, Public Relations Officer for Orange SL and Orange Money SL Ltd. “Our controls worked exactly as designed, detecting, escalating and enabling immediate action. We operate with a strict zero-tolerance policy towards fraud and unethical behaviour.”
According to company officials, all individuals implicated in the incident have been referred to the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for further action. This move, the company explained, underscores Orange’s seriousness in ensuring accountability and transparency, not only within its workforce but also in safeguarding the interests of customers who rely daily on Orange services.
Orange described the case as a “serious breach of trust and ethics” and reassured the public that decisive steps are being taken to close any potential loopholes that could be exploited in the future.
In addition to addressing the current case, Orange SL and Orange Money SL Ltd are reinforcing their preventive measures. New safeguards are being implemented to further enhance the protection of Orange Money customers and business partners.
The company explained that continuous monitoring and auditing remain central to its operations and further investments will be made to bolster its governance frameworks. These include additional training for agents, stricter oversight of transactions and tighter data protection measures.
Orange SL has long positioned itself as a trusted partner in Sierra Leone’s digital and financial services landscape. With Orange Money, the company has expanded access to financial services for thousands of Sierra Leoneans, offering safe, reliable and convenient mobile money transactions.
This incident, according to Orange, will not derail its commitment but rather strengthen its resolve to protect customers. “As a responsible corporate entity, the protection of customer funds and data remains our top priority,” the company reiterated in its official statement.
Over the years, Orange SL has become one of the leading drivers of digital inclusion in Sierra Leone. Its services, ranging from telecommunications to mobile financial solutions, have transformed the way citizens connect, communicate and conduct business. Orange Money, in particular, has become an essential tool for daily transactions, salary payments, remittances and bill settlements, empowering both individuals and businesses across the country.
Industry experts note that the company’s swift action to uncover and address internal fraud sends a strong message about its seriousness in maintaining credibility in the digital space. Fraud and unethical behaviour, if left unchecked, can undermine public confidence in mobile financial services, but Orange’s proactive approach helps to reinforce its leadership role in the sector.
Reiterating its stance, Orange SL made it clear that fraudulent activity of any kind will not be tolerated. The company said its zero-tolerance policy extends across all levels of operation and will continue to guide its engagement with employees, contractors and agents.
For customers, Orange emphasized that they can continue to place their trust in the company’s platforms, as new layers of protection are constantly being introduced.
As Sierra Leone continues its journey toward digital transformation, Orange SL and Orange Money SL Ltd remain central players. While the recent fraud case underscores the challenges faced in safeguarding financial systems, the company’s decisive actions demonstrate its commitment to integrity, accountability and customer protection.
Orange is here, bold, responsible and committed to protecting what matters most.
