Sierra Leoneans Express Concern Over Rejection of Five-Cent Coin by Bus Drivers, Businesses


Sierra Leoneans are voicing their concerns and demanding clarification on the functionality of the Sierra Leone 5 cent coin, commonly referred to as “five block.” Many citizens are experiencing difficulties as business establishments, including drivers and merchants, are increasingly refusing to accept these coins, asserting that they are impractical for transactions within the country.

In an interview conducted by Sieraloaded, citizens shared their frustrations and sought answers from the authorities. Susan Wright, a student at FBC University in Sierra Leone, expressed concern about drivers and their apprentices consistently rejecting the five-cent coins. She urged the Sierra Leone Bank Governor to provide an explanation regarding the significance of these coins and where they are intended to be used in the country.

On the other hand, Abu Sesay, a businessman operating in the central business district of Freetown, contested the claims made by customers. He argued that customers themselves are refusing to accept coins as change, leading to a situation where many business owners, in turn, are reluctant to collect these coins from their patrons.

This growing issue appears to be a two-sided problem, with both customers and businesses contributing to the reluctance surrounding the acceptance of five-cent coins. As a result, a considerable number of citizens find themselves grappling with a limited usability of these coins in everyday transactions.

The plea from citizens, especially students like Susan Wright, highlights the urgency for an official explanation from the Sierra Leone Bank Governor. Addressing the concerns raised by the public and providing guidance on the appropriate use of the five-cent coins could help alleviate the prevailing confusion and foster a smoother circulation of these coins in the economy.

The situation emphasizes the need for effective communication between monetary authorities and the public to ensure a harmonious flow of currency in daily transactions. As the discussions around the functionality of the five-cent coin continue, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the citizens’ demands and work towards resolving the challenges surrounding the acceptance of these coins in Sierra Leone.




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Orange Fighting Fraud, Upholds Commitment to Its Zero Compliance to Corruption


In recent times, the Management Orange Mobile Money Finance SL Ltd issued a Disclaimer disassociating itself from Super Advertis an online business platform . According to the disclaimer, Orange Mobile Money Finance revealed that they are not in partnership with Super Advertis nor have any contractual dealings or in any way associated with the business/company.

The said disclaimer has left many Sierra Leoneans in shocked at home as it came like a lump in the throats of many who have invested their money on the Online Platform realizing that they have been defrauded by Super Advertis. The online business platform was reported to have defrauded Sierra Leoneans of a staggering 9 billion Leones.

Meanwhile, recent public notices by the Bank of Sierra Leone and the Financial Intelligence have vindicated Orange ‘s decision to disassociate itself from Super Advertis .

The Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) issued a strong warning on the 5th January against the online entity called “SUPER ADVERTIS” that is illegally soliciting investments through mobile money platforms.

The BSL further emphasized that it has not licensed SUPER ADVERTIS for any financial activity, and engaging with them for investments poses a real risk to the public’s finances.

According to the BSL’s public notice, SUPER ADVERTIS appears to be enticing individuals to invest in a secretive financial scheme using mobile money platforms, which involves accepting deposits from the public. However, the BSL clarifies that “SUPER ADVERTIS” operates without the necessary license, making their operations illegal and potentially fraudulent.

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), an institution dedicated to combating financial crime, also initiated an investigation, in collaboration with key stakeholders, into the suspected unlawful activities of Super Advertis.

This entity has been using various mobile money platforms in Sierra Leone to accumulate deposits from the public, falsely presenting itself as an investment opportunity. Super Advertis stands accused of engaging in unlicensed and unregulated financial services, particularly utilizing mobile money agents to amass supposed investment funds.

This alleged scam, resembling a “PONZI SCHEME,” operates by reimbursing existing investors from contributions made by new investors, rather than generating legitimate profits from a lawful business. Investors are misled into believing that profits stem from genuine business operations, while they actually originate from new investors’ deposits.

In a statement made available to Sierraloaded, Orange revealed the deceptive tactics employed by Super Advertis scammers. The company clarified that unauthorized agents were illicitly collecting funds on behalf of the fraudulent platform. Immediate action was taken upon discovering these deceitful transactions, with Orange Sierra Leone promptly blocking the accounts of these unauthorized agents.

The mobile company emphasized that these agents lacked the authorization to engage in such financial transactions, and their accounts were suspended to prevent further fraudulent activities.
They were using our agents to collect funds on their behalf. These agents are not authorized to perform these types of transactions. When we got alert of these fraudulent transactions, we immediately blocked the accounts of these agents.” the mobile network company said.

Orange Sierra Leone took a proactive approach by reporting the issue to the Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) and is now awaiting the next steps in the investigation.

According to Orange Sierra Leone, the blocked accounts do not show any clear indication that the embezzled funds are directly related to Super Advertis transactions. The company clarified that the primary reason for blocking the accounts was to curtail the involvement of the suspended agents. Interestingly, all attempts to reach these agents have been unsuccessful, adding another layer of mystery to the unfolding situation.

As consumers dash through investing their money online, fraudsters remain focused. Through its strong compliance measures, Orange was able to detect early signs of an uptick in fraud attempts on Sierra Leoneans.

Realizing the devastating impact of fraud as a trusted Partner, Orange gives everyone the keys to a responsible digital World. Trust is at the heart of Orange purpose and the company’s ethics and compliance approach contributes to this trust by promoting a culture of integrity with no room for corruption of any kind, which cannot be accepted.

Orange fraud and anti-corruption policy is proactive as the company is committed to conducting their business with transparency and integrity in Sierra Leone. Orange stringent anti-corruption policy applies to all employees, managers, and directors, as well as anyone who acts on their behalf.






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Super Advertis Makeni Manager Speaks on Their Mode of Operations


A viral video making the rounds on social media has revealed an interview with a man who identified himself as Professor Barrie, Manager of Super Advertis at Makeni City Plaza explaining the Company’s Mode of Operations.

Manager Barrie said in the Video that surfaced online that he had gone through the ranks of the company before attaining the position of being a Manager. He described the company as an Online Marketing Company serving as an Intermediary between the people and the Ecommerce- websites. He confirmed that there are many Ecommerce websites online like the Alibaba, Amazon and they as end users go to Purchase these goods.

Super Advertis came as an intermediary to advert the goods of these Ecommerce websites by Clicking google will ranked it as search engine optimization. So Super Advertis develop a system where people will make money from their clicks.’ he said.

Responding to questions on the legality of their operations, Manager Barrie revealed that the Company has more offices in Sierra Leone adding that it is legally registered with the government of Sierra Leone. He confirmed in the said video that these are evidences to show the company is here to stay.

The newly introduced online business Company shut down its services to its customers on Tuesday 2nd January 2024 after the company said all of its funds were frozen by mobile money operator, Orange.

The company also directed its users and partners to go to Rakuten, which it stated is its other branch, to retrieve all their money. But shortly after, Rakuten denied any relationship with Super Advertis.

The development comes a few days after mobile network operator, Orange disassociated itself of any partnership with Super Advertis saying it does not have any contractual dealings or in any way associated with the business/company.

The Bank of Sierra Leone, in a public notice issued on January 5th, 2024, categorically stated that “Super Advertis” had not been granted a license to conduct any financial activity. The online-based entity was accused of enticing individuals to invest in a covert financial scheme through mobile money platforms. The Bank’s notice served as a stern warning to the public, urging them to refrain from engaging in any financial transactions with Super Advertis due to its illegal activities.

Subsequently, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) announced on January 4th, 2024, that it was actively investigating Super Advertis for suspected unlawful activities, referring to it as a potential “Ponzi scheme.” The FIU highlighted the collaboration with mobile money service providers, including Orange Money, in restricting access to the suspected fraudsters’ accounts and cooperating with relevant authorities in ongoing investigations.




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Notification for Public Disclosure on the Environmental Social Health Impact Assessment Report for Long Lush (SL) Ltd in Bambatok and Senehum Villages Upper Banta and Bagruwa Chiefdoms Respectively, Moyamba district, Southern Sierra Leone.


This advert serves to notify interested and/or affected persons/parties of the Environmental Social Health Impact Assessment was conducted for the Long Lush (SL) LTD, Freetown Sierra Leone.

In conformity with the Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Agency Act 2008, the LONG LUSH (SL) LTD Project needs to be planned and designed in a manner that minimizes potential negative social and environmental impacts.

This is expected to be achieved through the ESHIA Process that was undertaken by Geomining Consultancy (SL) Ltd.

The Environmental Social Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) report has been presented to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-SL) to be presented to the affected and interested stakeholders during the public disclosure processes for discussion.

Geomining Consultancy, EPA – SL and Long Lush Group (SL) Ltd, propose to conduct stakeholder engagement process at the following locations and dates:
Babatok Village, Upper Banta Chiefdom, Moyamba District on 12th January 2024

Senuhun Village, Bagruwa Chiefdom, Moyamba District on 13th January 2024

The report is now available for reference purposes at any time at the following locations:

The Environmental Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) office, 92 Dundas street, Brookfield, Freetown;

Long Lush (SL) Ltd, 65 Siaka Steven Street Freetown

Geomining Consultancy at 33 Victoria Street Freetown.

Stakeholders and/or interested person/parties are invited to participate in the consultation process for the Public Disclosure processes at the above-mentioned locations.

Your input and any issues or insights that you may have regarding the projects will be valuable.

Comments can be submitted verbally at the Stakeholder’s workshop or written format. Written comments must be sent to the following contacts below.

We look forward to your participation in the consultation and disclosure process.




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Bank of Sierra Leone Warns of Illegal Super Advertis Investment Scheme


The Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) issued a strong warning today against an online entity called “SUPER ADVERTIS” that is illegally soliciting investments through mobile money platforms.

The BSL emphasized that it has not licensed SUPER ADVERTIS for any financial activity, and engaging with them for investments poses a real risk to the public’s finances.

According to the BSL’s public notice, SUPER ADVERTIS appears to be enticing individuals to invest in a secretive financial scheme using mobile money platforms, which involves accepting deposits from the public. However, the BSL clarifies that “SUPER ADVERTIS” operates without the necessary license, making their operations illegal and potentially fraudulent.

The BSL urged the public to exercise extreme caution and refrain from any financial transactions with SUPER ADVERTIS. To ensure their safety, the BSL advised everyone to verify the presence of a valid BSL-issued license displayed in the premises of any financial institution before engaging in any transaction.

The BSL’s warning extends to all similar unlicensed businesses operating in Sierra Leone. The notice stresses that such illegal schemes pose a significant threat to the stability and safety of the nation’s financial system.

This timely intervention by the BSL highlights the growing concern over unregulated financial activities, particularly those targeting mobile money users. As mobile money transactions become increasingly popular, ensuring user protection and preventing fraudulent schemes remains a crucial challenge for financial authorities across Africa.

The BSL’s public notice serves as a wake-up call for Sierra Leoneans, urging them to prioritize caution and due diligence when considering any investment opportunity, especially if it involves mobile money or operates outside the official financial system.




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Orange Sierra Leone Exposes Scam Involving Super Advertis


Orange Sierra Leone, a leading mobile company in Sierra Leone has continued to disassociate itself from the fraudulent activities of Super Advertis, an online business platform reported to have defrauded Sierra Leoneans of a staggering 9 billion Leones.

In a statement made available to Sierraloaded, Orange revealed the deceptive tactics employed by Super Advertis scammers. The company clarified that unauthorized agents were illicitly collecting funds on behalf of the fraudulent platform. Immediate action was taken upon discovering these deceitful transactions, with Orange Sierra Leone promptly blocking the accounts of these unauthorized agents.

The mobile company emphasized that these agents lacked the authorization to engage in such financial transactions, and their accounts were suspended to prevent further fraudulent activities.

“They were using our agents to collect funds on their behalf. These agents are not authorised to perform these type of transactions. When we got alert of these fraudulent transactions we immediately blocked the accounts of these agents.” the mobile network company said.

Orange Sierra Leone has taken a proactive approach by reporting the issue to the Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) and is now awaiting the next steps in the investigation.

According to Orange Sierra Leone, the blocked accounts do not show any clear indication that the embezzled funds are directly related to Super Advertis transactions. The company clarified that the primary reason for blocking the accounts was to curtail the involvement of the suspended agents. Interestingly, all attempts to reach these agents have been unsuccessful, adding another layer of mystery to the unfolding situation.

The company’s message serves as a cautionary note to its partners and the general public, urging them to remain vigilant and exercise caution when dealing with financial transactions related to Super Advertis.

Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to transparency and swift action in response to the fraudulent activities demonstrates its dedication to protecting its partners and customers from potential scams.

As the investigation unfolds, Sierra Leoneans are anxiously awaiting updates from both Orange Sierra Leone and the Bank of Sierra Leone, hoping for justice to be served against those responsible for this significant financial fraud.




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What to Do if You Still Have Old Money After December 31st Deadline


The Bank of Sierra Leone has announced that the grace period for exchanging old Leones has ended, meaning the pre-redenomination notes and coins are no longer legal tender as of January 1, 2024.

However, there’s still a window of opportunity to swap your old bills for the new ones. If you still have old Leones, don’t panic! You have until March 31st to exchange them for the new currency.

Individuals and businesses that are still in possession of the old Leone are encouraged to effect the change at any commercial bank between the 1st January 2024 and 31st March 2024. Most banks will be happy to exchange your old Leones for the new ones during the designated period.

If you can’t get to a commercial bank, you can also exchange your old Leones at the Bank of Sierra Leone or its designated agents.

After March 31st, the commercial banks may no longer accept old Leones. You can only exchange them at the Bank of Sierra Leone or its designated agents.

The redenomination of the Leone was introduced in July 2022 to address inflation and make the currency easier to use. The new Leones are worth 1,000 times the value of the old Leones.






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Super Advertis Reportedly Defrauds Sierra Leoneans of 9 Billion Leones


Super Advertise, an online business platform operational in Sierra Leone from October 2023 to late December 2023, finds itself in a startling situation as it faces allegations of fraudulent activities. According to reports from the Gleaner Newspaper, Super Advertis is accused of defrauding Sierra Leoneans, amounting to over Le 9,000,000,000.00 ($369,000.00) through task commissions.

Adding complexity to the situation, Super Advertise asserts that Orange-SL, a prominent mobile operator, has frozen all its accounts. This move by Orange-SL not only raises concerns but also intensifies the dispute as the online promotion service platform accuses the mobile operator of obstructing its operations.

Responding swiftly to the serious accusations, Orange-SL issued a statement on January 3rd, 2024, vehemently refuting any involvement or contractual association with Super Advertise. Orange-SL clarified that there are no frozen accounts linked to the accused company on their Orange Money platform.

The conflicting narratives from Super Advertise and Orange-SL have created unease within the Sierra Leonean community. Authorities are now tasked with the challenging responsibility of uncovering the truth behind these allegations and assessing the extent of Super Advertise’s alleged fraudulent activities.

The reported defrauded amount of Le 9,000,000,000.00 ($369,000.00) adds financial distress to an already sensitive matter, prompting affected individuals to seek justice and accountability for their losses.

This unfolding saga underscores the risks associated with online platforms and emphasizes the importance of exercising due diligence in engaging in online transactions. It serves as a reminder for users to be cautious and prompts regulatory bodies to enhance oversight in the continually evolving landscape of online services in Sierra Leone.




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Financial Intelligence Unit Launches Investigation Into Super Advertis For Alleged Investment Scam


The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), an institution dedicated to combating financial crime, has initiated an investigation, in collaboration with key stakeholders, into the suspected unlawful activities of Super Advertis.

This entity has been using various mobile money platforms in Sierra Leone to accumulate deposits from the public, falsely presenting itself as an investment opportunity.

Super Advertis stands accused of engaging in unlicensed and unregulated financial services, particularly utilizing mobile money agents to amass supposed investment funds.

This alleged scam, resembling a “PONZI SCHEME,” operates by reimbursing existing investors from contributions made by new investors, rather than generating legitimate profits from a lawful business. Investors are misled into believing that profits stem from genuine business operations, while they actually originate from new investors’ deposits.

Major mobile money service providers, including Orangemoney and Afrimoney, have implemented measures to limit access to the third-party accounts utilized by the suspected fraudsters. They are actively collaborating with relevant authorities in the ongoing investigations.

The FIU issues a cautionary advisory to the public, urging vigilance when encountering individuals or entities offering investment opportunities. It emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough due diligence, ensuring complete satisfaction regarding the legitimacy of any business before engaging in financial investments.

Safeguarding the public’s interests and preserving the integrity of financial systems remain paramount for the FIU. The unit assures the public of further updates as the investigation progresses.

Individuals are encouraged to promptly report any suspected dubious financial activities to the FIU or relevant authorities, contributing to efforts in combating fraudulent financial schemes.




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