Orange Sierra Leone and its mobile money subsidiary have uncovered a fraud scheme involving a group of contract workers accused of manipulating customer accounts without consent, the company said on Tuesday.
The misconduct, which implicated field sales agents and other contracted staff, was detected during a routine internal audit through Orange’s control systems, designed to flag suspicious transactions. The individuals identified have been referred to the police Criminal Investigations Department for further action.
“This case highlights the strength of our anti-fraud mechanisms. Our controls worked exactly as designed — detecting, escalating, and enabling immediate action,” said Alfie Barrie, the company’s Public Relations Officer. He stressed that the company maintains a “strict zero-tolerance policy towards fraud and unethical behaviour.”
Orange Sierra Leone said additional security safeguards are being implemented to prevent future breaches and to reinforce protection for its Orange Money customers and partners. The company added that the incident represents a “serious breach of trust and ethics” but insisted customer funds and data remain secure.
Mobile money’s importance
The case highlights the growing risks around digital financial services in Sierra Leone, where mobile money platforms such as Orange Money have become essential for millions of people with limited access to banks. According to the Bank of Sierra Leone, more than half of the country’s adult population now uses mobile money for everyday transactions, including remittances, bill payments and business operations.
Analysts warn that fraud, identity theft and misuse of customer data threaten confidence in a sector that has rapidly expanded in recent years. “Mobile money is the backbone of Sierra Leone’s financial inclusion strategy,” said an economist in Freetown. “If trust is undermined, the ripple effects could destabilise both households and businesses that rely on these services.”
Regional risks
Similar cases of fraud have emerged across West Africa, where mobile money services are expanding faster than regulatory systems can adapt. In Ghana, Nigeria and Liberia, mobile operators have reported scams involving fraudulent SIM registrations, phishing, and unauthorised withdrawals.
Civil society groups in Sierra Leone have previously raised concerns about weak oversight in the telecoms and fintech sector, warning that gaps in regulation and enforcement could leave customers exposed.
Orange, one of the country’s largest telecoms and financial services providers, said it would continue to invest in strong governance frameworks to strengthen confidence in its services. The company reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and customer protection.
