OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM ISMAIL EL-ABBOUTI SIERRA LEONE’S SPECIAL ENVOY FOR TRADE AND INVESTMENT
For Immediate Release
To Whom It May Concern and To The Media
Subject: The Truth About Bruno Frateur
This statement serves to outline the grave misconduct and criminal acts committed by Mr. Bruno Frateur, actions which have caused irreparable harm both personally and professionally.
Three years ago, Bruno Frateur presented himself as a hardworking and trustworthy individual. He portrayed himself as a man burdened by tragedy following the death of his partner, Saïda Ouazza, who was found deceased under suspicious circumstances. Authorities initially ruled the death a suicide. As a close friend, I provided Mr. Frateur with emotional, financial, and housing support during this difficult period, believing he was an innocent man devastated by loss.
He also claimed to be disabled following a workplace accident and received monthly disability payments from the Belgian government. Despite these claims, Mr. Frateur maintained an unusually lavish lifestyle, which he supplemented by exploiting my generosity.
After inconsistencies in his accounts and multiple witness testimonies, the truth came to light: Mr. Frateur had not only deceived those closest to him, but he had, in fact, murdered Saïda Ouazza. His grief was a façade designed to mask his culpability.
Additionally, Mr. Frateur committed serious financial fraud against my company, Baraka Diamond, based in Sierra Leone. He was entrusted with $460,000 worth of rough diamonds to be polished in Antwerp. Instead of fulfilling his contractual obligations, Mr. Frateur absconded with the entire consignment of diamonds.
Summary of Offenses:
- Premeditated murder of Saïda Ouazza.
- Fraudulent misrepresentation and theft of disability funds.
- Grand theft involving $460,000 worth of diamonds belonging to Baraka Diamond.
Mr. Frateur’s actions reflect a calculated pattern of deception, manipulation, and criminal intent.
This statement has been provided to the following media outlets:
— VRT Nieuws (Belgium)
— RTBF (Belgium)
— BBC World News
— Al Jazeera English
— Reuters
— Le Soir
— Het Laatste Nieuws
— Sierra Leone News Network
— Night Watch Newspaper
Justice proceedings are forthcoming. However, the betrayal inflicted upon me and my business will leave lasting scars that no legal remedy can fully repair.