Waterloo Businessman Arrested Over Fake Electrical Cables

August 21, 2025

Police in Waterloo have arrested a businessman accused of smuggling and selling counterfeit RR electrical cables.

The suspect, identified as Mohamed Barrie, operates WOLABEH Enterprise, a shop that sells solar products and electrical appliances. Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department raided his store and reportedly found a large stock of cables branded as RR Cables, suspected to be fake. The goods were confiscated, and Barrie was taken into custody to assist with investigations.

The arrest comes amid growing concerns about low-quality electrical products circulating in Sierra Leone’s markets. Faulty cables and poor wiring have been linked to several fires in recent years, putting homes and businesses at risk.

RR Cables has been officially imported into the country by SV Electrical since 2019. However, fake versions of the brand have increasingly entered the market, posing dangers to consumers and damaging legitimate businesses. Officials have urged the public to only purchase from authorized distributors to avoid unsafe products.

Police have warned traders and shop owners against dealing in counterfeit or substandard electrical goods, stressing that offenders will face strict legal consequences. The investigation into this case is ongoing, and authorities say more updates will follow.