By Alimatu Jalloh s
Freetown, Sierra Leone — 16 September 2025 — In a case that has reignited concerns over fraudulent travel schemes, businessman Musa Seaport Kamara (27) and student Cecilia Briggs (24) were again arraigned before Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No.2 on Tuesday. The pair face five counts related to conspiracy, fraud, and possession of passports for unlawful purposes.
According to police charges, between 1st and 30th November 2024, Kamara and Briggs allegedly conspired with unknown individuals to defraud Makalay Mansaray of a total of $19,000 USD (Le456,000), under the false pretense of securing Canadian visas for two individuals, Joseph and Elizabeth Kambiama.
The charges include:
- Conspiracy to Defraud: Contrary to law.
- Obtaining Money by False Pretence: Under Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act 1961.
- Possession of Another’s Passport for Unlawful Purpose: Under Section 16(1) of the Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act 2022 (Act No. 12 of 2022).
The prosecution alleges that the accused obtained: $8,000 USD (Le19,000) on false visa promises in November 2024. US$10,000 USD (Le240,000) on 24th December 2024 under similar pretenses. US$1,000 USD (Le24,000) between 24th–30th November 2024, again falsely claiming to secure visas.
In a separate charge, Kamara is accused of possessing multiple Sierra Leonean passports in Ghana between 1st–31st January 2025, allegedly to restrict victims’ movement and facilitate trafficking.
Prosecution witness Sergeant 8576 Issa Kamara, attached to the CID exhibit office, testified that on 19th May 2025, he received eight Sierra Leonean passport booklets from DPC 14944 Amara T.T. The passports, bearing names including Mohamed Mustapha Conteh and Theresa Haja Kamara, were registered under serial number 049/2025 and tendered in court as exhibits M1–M8.
No plea was taken by the accused during the hearing. Magistrate Fornah adjourned the matter to 24th September 2025 for further proceedings.
The case continues to draw public attention as authorities crack down on fraudulent travel agents exploiting citizens seeking overseas opportunities.