Lansar Auto CEO Mahamadane Sarr enters 20th month of detention

Mahamadane Sarr, the Director General of the Senegalese luxury vehicle company Lansar Auto, has entered his twentieth month of preventive detention. Sarr faces allegations of financial crimes, including forgery and the embezzlement of public funds.

Defense attorney Moustapha Mbaye has filed a twelfth request for provisional release, arguing that the judicial investigation has reached a standstill. The defense contends that all necessary investigative acts have been completed and that continued detention is no longer required for the investigation. They further argue that the case lacks consistency, noting that Sarr is the sole individual implicated despite the involvement of public funds.

Legal disputes have also emerged regarding the management of seized assets. The defense has raised concerns over the handling of Lansar Auto’s vehicle fleet by the state, suggesting some seized assets may have been returned to circulation or managed by the Office national de recouvrement des avoirs criminels (ONRAC). While the State's Judicial Agent did not oppose the most recent release request, the Public Prosecutor's office continues to maintain its opposition.