Bank Fraud Trial: Sylvanus Fatorma Released on Bail Amidst 28 Charges

Sylvanus Mustapha Bockarie Fatorma, an employee of the Commerce and Mortgage Bank (CMB), has been released on bail amid an ongoing trial concerning a substantial bank fraud case in Freetown. Fatorma was detained on January 22, 2025, by Detective Inspector A.S. Mansaray, following allegations of fraudulent activities at CMB. 

He is facing 28 charges, including 12 counts of forgery, 13 counts of uttering forged documents, one count of conspiracy to defraud, and one count of larceny by a servant. 

The alleged offenses occurred between August 2, 2022, and September 5, 2024, during which it is alleged that Fatoroma, along with unidentified accomplices, orchestrated the unauthorized withdrawal of 78,500 New Leones (equivalent to 78,500,000 old Leones) from Idrissa Bangura's account. 

The prosecution asserts that Fatoroma manipulated bank records to create the appearance of a legitimate withdrawal, despite the transaction being entirely fictitious. During court proceedings, Detective Inspector Mansaray of the Economic and Financial Fraud Unit at CID Headquarters provided pivotal testimony regarding the investigation, which was initiated by a report filed on January 9, 2025. Fatoroma’s recorded admission of guilt, presented as Exhibit P1-3 along with his thumbprint, was submitted as evidence. 

However, defense lawyer J. Ansumana challenged the legitimacy of the transactions during cross-examination, particularly concerning authorization by Bangura. The prosecution countered by confirming the absence of a valid authorization letter. The defense requested bail, citing Fatoroma's extended detention and willingness to cooperate. Bail was granted at Nle2,500, subject to securing two sureties residing in Freetown with national ID cards. 

The trial is set to continue on March 16, 2025, to gather further evidence. This case underscores the serious implications of financial fraud in the banking sector and the efforts of law enforcement to address such crimes.