By- Aruna Rashed Toma Bangura
The Sierra Leone Police during their every week Police press briefing on Tuesday 31st January 2023 have officially declared Q-Net (Quest for internet) as an illegal and ad-hoc enterprise at their Police headquarters on George Street, central business district.
Giving updates on recent policing activities, the Head of Police Media team Assistant Commissioner of Police Brima Kamara said Q-Net is a criminal enterprise with intent of duping Sierra Leoneans, adding that they have had numerous reports of the illegal activities of Q-Net and currently are having 15 cases on records against Q-Net. He said the SLP over the years have been inundated with deceitful activities undertaken by Q-Net, adding that the SLP have a dossier of cases against Q-Net illegal activities which have necessitated the SLP to declare Q-Net as a criminal enterprise with aim to duping the public with their hard earned cash. He said that their mode of operation is so deceptive and fraudulent as they are using the internet for tricking people.
ACP Brima Kamara said the SLP have decided to crack down on the activities of Q-Net and hunt them nationwide. He assured that the SLP will go after any person or organization operating as Q-Net.
Detective Superintendent Edward Senessie attached at the Freetown East Police division added that Q-Net has now been declared a criminal organization.
According to DSP Edward Senessie, on Monday 30th January a combine team of Operational Support Division personnel (OSD), General duty officers and personnel of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) raided two buildings occupied by Q-Net within Waterloo, Deep-eye water community and during the raid over 300 youths comprising of both Sierra Leoneans and Foreigners were arrested. He said a search was conducted by the team of CID officers and relevant documents worth investigation were discovered, all the suspects were then taken to Waterloo Police station.
He said screening and searching were done on the arrested suspects and 11 Q-Net staff were found wanting and were being held in custody as investigation continues.
On his part, Detective CID Joshua Moisa said on 26th January, 2023 they responded to a call at No.17 White Street, Brookfields of Q-Net operation. He said they materialize at the said address where some irate youths were pouncing on the Police, adding that 34 suspect were arrested and are expediting investigation to charge the matter to court.