U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Sierra Leonean Abdul Karim Conteh for Major Smuggling Operation

July 18, 2024

On July 18, 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Abdul Karim Conteh, a Sierra Leonean national, for his alleged involvement in a significant migrant smuggling operation. Conteh is accused of facilitating the illegal entry of thousands of migrants from Asia and Africa into the United States.

The Treasury Department's sanctions highlight that Conteh's network provided migrants with fraudulent documents, transport to the U.S. border, and guidance on illegal entry methods. The smuggling ring extended to Nicaragua, a Central American country known for its lax visa requirements, which is frequently used by smugglers.

Conteh was arrested in Tijuana, Mexico, on July 11, and U.S. authorities are seeking his extradition on federal charges. Alongside Conteh, sanctions were also imposed on his wife, Veronica Roblero, and two other individuals from Sierra Leone and Togo suspected of being involved in the operation.

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control claims that the group laundered money from their smuggling activities. The sanctions freeze any assets the individuals hold in the U.S. and prohibit American citizens from engaging in transactions with them.

Ishaqa S. Jalloh

Ishaqajalloh@sierraleonews.com

+23278799279