Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Office of the President of Sierra Leone has strongly denounced a fabricated video circulating online that falsely depicts President Julius Maada Bio launching and endorsing a purported investment platform called “AfriQuantumX.”
In an official statement released on Sunday, Press Secretary Yusuf Keketoma Sandi Esq. declared that the video is “entirely fake and generated through artificial intelligence technology.”
“President Julius Maada Bio did NOT launch or endorse AfriQuantumX, nor has he made any statements featured in the below content,” Sandi stated emphatically.
He described the platform as “a deliberate misrepresentation designed to mislead citizens” and warned that it poses serious risks to the public.
“I strongly advise the public against trusting or engaging with this platform,” the Press Secretary urged, adding that such actions “are harmful, unethical, and potentially unlawful, eroding public trust and causing confusion.”
The fraudulent advertisement, which has been widely shared on social media, falsely claims that President Bio personally launched AfriQuantumX as a “National Investment Initiative for Every Sierra Leonean.” It includes a fabricated quote attributed to the President: “AfriQuantumX gives our people a path to stable income and real economic freedom.”
The fake promotion encourages citizens to invest as little as 5,800 Leones (approximately $0.25 USD), promising quick returns with “full government regulation” and “no hidden charges.”
Sandi called on the operators behind AfriQuantumX and associated parties to “immediately cease and desist from using President Bio’s name, image, or fabricated endorsements.”
He reminded the public: “Please remain vigilant and verify information only through official channels of the Office of the President before making any financial decisions. Your financial security and well-being are of utmost importance.”
Authorities have not yet announced whether law enforcement or cybersecurity agencies are investigating the source of the deepfake video and the alleged scam platform. Citizens are urged to report suspicious investment schemes to relevant authorities.
