Côte d'Ivoire investigates 320 million FCFA real estate fraud

An investigation has been opened in Côte d'Ivoire regarding a suspected real estate fraud involving Rita Bénédicte Djédjé Grahon, manager of Ivoire Challenge Corporation SARL. Authorities estimate that over 320 million FCFA was collected from approximately sixty complainants for the purchase of land parcels that the company allegedly did not own.

The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of several high-profile social media influencers, artists, and journalists who reportedly promoted the real estate projects through videos and WhatsApp groups. While some individuals are being investigated for potentially encouraging subscriptions or collecting funds, legal experts note that criminal responsibility depends on whether they acted with knowledge of the fraud.

Following investigations by the Economic and Financial Police, Rita Djédjé was referred to the Pôle pénal économique et financier (PPEF). The charges being investigated include criminal conspiracy, fraud, breach of trust, forgery, and money laundering.