By John Brima
Businesswoman Admire Frances Bio and her husband, Alhaji Dausy Jalloh, have made their first court appearance over allegations that they defrauded two Italian nationals of more than $400,000 in a purported gold trading scheme.
The couple appeared before the court on July 3, 2026, facing multiple charges, including obtaining money by false pretences, money laundering, forgery and tax evasion.
Prosecutors allege that the accused fraudulently obtained more than $400,000 from the two Italian complainants by claiming they were engaged in a legitimate gold trading business.
The prosecution contends that the transactions were part of a scheme that resulted in significant financial losses for the foreign investors.
The accused were granted bail of $500,000 each under strict conditions.
The court ordered both defendants to surrender their travel documents, report regularly to the authorities and comply with other bail requirements pending trial.
The matter was adjourned to July 9, 2026, for further hearing.
The prosecution is expected to begin presenting evidence when proceedings resume.
The accused have not been convicted of any offence, and the charges remain allegations that will be determined by the court.
The case comes amid increased scrutiny of alleged investment and gold trading frauds involving foreign investors in Sierra Leone, with authorities pledging tougher enforcement against financial crimes and fraudulent business practices.
