Former Executive Director Fired, Faces Legal Action for Embezzlement
The LAKE Group of Companies has dismissed Esther Y. Kamara from her role as Executive Director of Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant SL Limited following a two-month investigation that uncovered her involvement in embezzling 52 million old Leones from the organization.
The investigation, led by LAKE Group Chief Operating Officer Musa A. Kamara, revealed that Ms. Kamara misappropriated Le 52,888 from the Le 313,218 collected during the 2024 Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant event.
She allegedly diverted funds from various sponsors and revenue sources without depositing them into the company’s bank accounts, including UBA, Orange, Gulama, BnB, Grafton, Banja, and KAF. A significant portion, Le 20,000, was reportedly transferred from Orange SL Limited’s sponsorship money into her personal Orange Money account.
“The financial reports and 2024 MFBP budget indicate a shortfall of Le 52,888. Ms. Kamara has 48 hours to return the funds, failing which legal action will be initiated through the Criminal Investigation Department (CID),” said Musa Kamara, COO of LAKE Group.
In addition to her termination, Ms. Kamara has been ordered to return all company property and disengage from LAKE Group and Miss Freetown-related forums within 48 hours.
The Board of Directors has appointed Esther Moi Tarawally, a reality TV star and Big Sister finalist, as the new Executive Director of Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant SL Limited. The 2025 Miss Freetown event is scheduled for December 14 at the Bintumani International Auditorium.
