KONO – The Sierra Leone Police, through Tankoro Division in Kono District, is probing an alleged fraud syndicate linked to QNET operatives, with 27 foreign nationals rescued and under police protection.
Police said the victims are mainly nationals of Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Burkina Faso. Twenty-three, including two suspected operatives, were initially located in Tankoro, while four are being accommodated under the jurisdiction of Massingbi Division.
The two suspected operatives – Yaya Ouattara, also known as Idrissa Kamara, and Mohamed Fofanah – remain in police custody and are assisting investigators.
Following consultations with the Office of National Security (ONS), the Immigration Department and local authorities, the victims have been placed under the care of the Kono Maraka Chief, Mr. Lansana, and the Area Chief of Fire Force, pending completion of repatriation arrangements.
Police are also engaging community members to obtain further information that could assist the investigation.
The Kono case is the latest in a series of operations targeting suspected QNET-linked fraud networks. In June 2026, police arrested 12 suspected operatives at Lovers Corner in Waterloo, who were transferred to the Transnational Organised Crime Unit at Hastings for investigation.
QNET has repeatedly stated that it is a legitimate direct-selling company and not a travel, recruitment or investment agency, warning that its name is being abused by fraudsters across West Africa to lure victims with false promises of foreign jobs and visas in exchange for payments of up to US$1,500.
Police have assured that investigations will continue in collaboration with ONS and Immigration to ensure the protection of victims and their safe return to their home countries.
