Frozen Chicken Deal Turns Sour: Abass Huballah In $196,000 Fraud
By Amin Kef (Ranger)
An investigation has uncovered serious allegations against Abass Huballah, proprietor of Besto Trading on Free Street in Freetown, over a controversial business transaction involving eight containers of frozen chicken that has reportedly resulted in financial liabilities estimated at US$196,000.
According to findings from the investigation, the situation arose from what was initially presented as a legitimate commercial arrangement for the supply of poultry products to Sierra Leone. However, the deal allegedly deteriorated following payment delays and complications surrounding the clearance of the consignment at the Port of Freetown.
Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the business engagement began in June 2025, when negotiations were initiated for the shipment of frozen poultry products. The parties reportedly reached agreement on pricing and contractual terms for the delivery of eight containers, each valued at approximately US$16,000.
Under the arrangement, two containers were expected to arrive first, with payment to be made in full through cash against shipping documents seven days before the shipment reached the port. The remaining six containers were later dispatched, bringing the total shipment to eight.
However, the transaction reportedly began to unravel after the first two containers arrived in Freetown. Investigators say that payment delays soon followed, with Abass Huballah allegedly citing banking procedural challenges and difficulties accessing United States dollars.
Sources involved in the matter further claimed that Huballah later presented what he described as a SWIFT payment confirmation to support claims that payment had been processed. On the strength of that assurance, the shipping documents for one container were reportedly released to him. Subsequent checks, however, indicated that the alleged transfer never reflected in the supplier’s account and was later believed to have been fraudulent.
Despite repeated assurances that payment would be completed, investigators say the funds were never received by the supplier.
It is further alleged that one container of frozen chicken was eventually cleared from the port without payment, while the remaining seven containers remained stranded at the port for more than 150 days, accumulating demurrage, port rent, and shipping charges estimated at approximately US$180,000. When combined with the value of the cleared container, the total financial exposure linked to the transaction is estimated at US$196,000.
Individuals familiar with the situation described a pattern of repeated promises and postponements, with assurances that payment would be made “soon” or “by tomorrow,” which allegedly never materialised. The prolonged delay is said to have resulted in significant financial losses associated with the consignment.
Investigators noted that the unfolding dispute raises serious concerns about the handling of the transaction and the obligations attached to the supply agreement.
Abass Huballah is reportedly the brother of Hassan Huballah, owner of Hubasco Business Entity, while their father, Pa Huballah, is said to operate a foam manufacturing factory in Calaba Town, Freetown. However, the investigation centres specifically on the business dealings of Abass Huballah and the disputed poultry shipment.
At the time of publication, multiple attempts by this medium to obtain comments from Abass Huballah and Besto Trading regarding the allegations were unsuccessful.
The investigation remains ongoing as further details surrounding the disputed shipment continue to emerge.
