Sierra Leone’s security forces, in collaboration with the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA), have arrested 18 people and detained approximately 400 others during coordinated raids targeting a suspected international cybercrime network operating in Freetown and Kenema.
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education disclosed the arrests in a press release dated Tuesday, October 27, 2026, stating that the operations were intelligence-led and uncovered a large quantity of electronic equipment, mobile phones, passports and SIM cards.
According to the release, security personnel recovered 1,206 mobile phones, more than 500 computers and monitors, nine central processing units (CPUs), five servers and 301 passports.
The items seized also included 339 SIM cards, comprising 289 international SIM cards and 50 local SIM cards, as well as 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.
The scale of the equipment recovered has raised concerns about the possible activities of an organised cross-border criminal enterprise. Investigations are expected to establish the network’s operations, international connections, sources of financing and the individuals who allegedly organised or facilitated its activities in Sierra Leone.
The government, through the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, NaTCA and the security services, said it remained committed to preventing the country’s communications infrastructure from being exploited for criminal purposes.
Authorities have pledged to conduct thorough investigations and prosecute anyone found responsible in accordance with the law.
The public has also been urged to report suspected cybercrime activities and suspicious operations to the appropriate authorities.
The Ministry said further verified information would be released as investigations progress.