Information reaching this medium has it that the former president of the Lebanese community in Sierra Leone, who doubles as one of the shareholders of Mercury International Sports Betting Company in Sierra Leone, Samir Hassaneh, two Lebanese and a Sierra Leonean lawyer, was allegedly questioned at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
After hours at the Criminal Investigation Department, the four people who were allegedly accused of being involved in a bad business transaction with an investor from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were released on bail. It was further alleged that Samir, who is serving in the capacity as Power of Attorney in the business, was released on bail as a result of his health condition, with a warning that they should visit the CID regularly.
Samir Hassaneh is alleged to have been investigated by the CID on business-related issues with an investor from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Senior Man (not his real name). The matter was taken to the CID after members of the Lebanese community in Sierra Leone had failed to settle the issues amicably for the past three months.
It is alleged that Senior Man, in 2017, registered a company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Sierra Leone to render machinery rentals and other services. He appointed two Lebanese men on diverse dates to manage his business in Sierra Leone, but due to his experience with them through the court, they were replaced. Hence, Samir Hassaneh was appointed and given the Power of Attorney for the business.
Things were supposed to be smooth under the new administration of Samir and the new guys on board the business. The news was not getting any better for the business with allegations of alleged mismanagement.
The Chief Executive Officer of the business (CEO), Senior Man, decided to institute a forensic audit report on the entire operations of the business in Sierra Leone. Reports of the audit uncovered massive corruption, mismanagement, impersonation, and other economic-related issues.
This allegation prompted Senior Man to follow due process to change the power of attorney from Samir to someone else. This move, according to allegations, did not go well with Samir; hence, he decided to challenge instructions from the CEO.
The Lebanese community in Sierra Leone was involved in settling the matter amicably, but after three months, they told Senior Man they were not interested in going further with the negotiation. This prompted the CEO to request the intervention of the police for a speedy investigation into the matter.
The timely involvement of the police in the investigation has resulted in the retrieval of some of the company’s heavy-duty machines that were almost on the verge of crossing into neighboring Liberia.
The police are also looking into the issues raised in the forensic audit report regarding the missing sum of Le.8 billion Leones, which was allegedly reported to be unaccounted for by the previous management.
According to our sources, Senior Man is confident in the ongoing investigation, and he expects the government, through the police and the judiciary, to ensure the investment climate is safe and conducive to more responsible investors.
When contacted about the allegations, Samir Hassaneh confirmed that he was indeed at the CID as a surety about an ongoing investigation into the company of Senior Man. He denied having been questioned and released on bail by the police on health grounds about the said matter.
He, however, confirmed that two Lebanese are under investigation about the matter, but there is nothing the CID is investigating him for. He confirmed doing business with Senior Man, and that there was no misunderstanding between them.
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