# Counterfeit currency investigation in Senegal

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/counterfeit-currency-investigation-in-senegal
> Updated: 2026-08-30T22:36:46.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 2.

In late August 2026, Senegalese authorities in Toubab Dialaw disrupted a counterfeit banknote operation. Following intelligence regarding a group seeking a technician to perform “washing” on counterfeit 100 US dollar bills, the Dakar Research Brigade raided an apartment used as a processing laboratory.

Police arrested four Senegalese nationals and seized counterfeit 100 US dollar bills valued at approximately 47.76 million CFA francs, along with two Ford vehicles. The suspects face charges including criminal conspiracy, attempted fraud, and possession of materials for counterfeiting legal tender as investigations continue.

## Claims

- The fraud targeted internship allowances for seventh-year medical students. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The suspects used their own and their relatives' phone numbers to receive funds via mobile money. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The DIC arrested two Ministry of Health agents for embezzlement. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The fraud was discovered by a new HR manager in 2025. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The total amount embezzled is estimated at 390 million FCFA. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Pape Abdourahmane Diakhaté and Alioune Sy were arrested. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The suspects were charged with conspiracy, embezzlement of public funds, forgery, and money laundering. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-30: Senegal Ministry of Health: Two officials arrested for embezzling millions

Two Senegalese Ministry of Health officials were arrested for allegedly embezzling up to 390 million FCFA intended for seventh-year medical student internship allowances.

34 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-police-seize-4776-million-cfa-in-counterfeit-us-dollars

### 2026-08-18: Togo police arrest three suspects in major counterfeiting operation

Togolese authorities arrested three suspects and seized counterfeit 5,000 CFA and 100 US dollar bills, along with large quantities of specialized paper used for manufacturing fake currency.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/togo-police-arrest-three-suspects-in-major-counterfeiting-operation

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Cite as: Counterfeit currency investigation in Senegal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/counterfeit-currency-investigation-in-senegal