Over 20 Sierra Leoneans Trapped in Alleged Human Trafficking Scheme in The Gambia

An alleged human trafficking network is under investigation after more than 20 Sierra Leoneans were reportedly lured into a fraudulent migration scheme promising visas to the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Upon arrival, some victims reportedly had their passports and mobile phones confiscated and were housed in compounds in Busumbala and Farato, communities located outside the capital, Banjul. Victims claimed they were informed that their visa applications were being processed locally, but many remained in the compounds for extended periods without clear information about their travel status.