By: Fayia Jr Moseray
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has confirmed the arrest of twelve suspects in connection with serious crimes including armed robbery, money laundering, and document forgery. The arrests were made following a series of strategic operations conducted by the CID’s Operations Team.
This announcement was made during a press briefing held at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess in Kingtom, Freetown on Wednesday July 23rd 2025.
Addressing the media, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Allieu Jalloh, Head of CID, commended the swift and effective work of his team in apprehending the suspects. He disclosed that the individuals were involved in a range of felonious activities, including theft, forgery of official documents, possession of illegal firearms, and circulation of counterfeit Sierra Leonean currency.
According to ACP Jalloh, preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects are part of an organized crime network engaged in violent and high-level financial crimes. He noted that the arrests were made possible due to credible intelligence received from members of the public.
Among the items recovered during the raids were counterfeit university degree certificates, fake police clearance documents, large quantities of fake currency, and other unauthorized documents. ACP Jalloh emphasized that even the police do not have the authority to issue or possess such documents without appropriate clearance.
He further revealed that three of the suspects were found in possession of two unlicensed firearms and dozens of live cartridges. Investigations confirmed that the firearms do not belong to any registered security agency.
“The suspects are in police custody and will be handed over to the relevant investigative units,” said ACP Jalloh. “We are committed to ensuring that everyone involved in this criminal syndicate is brought to justice.”
ACP Jalloh described the operation as part of the SLP’s broader efforts to clamp down on rising sophisticated crimes in Freetown and other urban centers. He assured the public that the police would continue pursuing leads and uncovering further criminal connections.
“We will follow every trail and ensure that those responsible face the full force of the law,” he declared, adding that the evidence collected so far will be presented in court to determine the suspects’ guilt or innocence.
In a separate development, ACP Brima Kamara, Head of Police Media, used the opportunity to address recent public concerns over a foreign yacht that was spotted along Sierra Leone’s coast.
He clarified that the yacht, which carried three Filipino nationals, had unintentionally drifted into Sierra Leonean waters due to strong sea winds. A thorough inspection was conducted by the Maritime Wing of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces in collaboration with other security agencies.
“No illegal substances or suspicious cargo were found onboard,” ACP Kamara stated. “The police have handed over the case to the appropriate maritime security body for further investigation.”
He assured the press that once further information is gathered especially following interrogations with the Filipino crew the authorities will issue an official update.
