By Kadijatu Bangura reporter D.S
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Police are hunting for a man who posed as a presidential communications aide to defraud two Sierra Leonean women in the United States of $31,900, promising to expedite their travel documents.
Peter Lahai, the suspect, allegedly claimed to be a Communications Specialist attached to President Julius Maada Bio, leveraging the fabricated identity to gain the victims’ trust. He received payments in two installments, totaling $31,900, under a signed agreement to complete the documents by February 24, 2025.
However, the scheme unraveled after Lahai repeatedly shifted the travel dates, and the victims discovered the digital copy of the U.S. visa provided was counterfeit. Lahai allegedly admitted to receiving the funds but blamed unnamed associates linked to senior government officials, promising to refund the money by March 2026.
Authorities have attempted to contact Lahai without success and are reviewing evidence, including call logs and audio recordings. The case highlights concerns about impersonation scams and the need for vigilance.
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