Senegal fraud investigations

In early August 2026 Senegal’s Division des Investigations Criminelles (DIC) dismantled a large illegal online betting operation run through the Megapari platform. The scheme, lacking any licence or local banking ties, processed over 7 billion CFA francs via three Senegalese merchant numbers, falsely claimed a partnership with the national lottery, and used Sonatel’s Orange Money service to move funds. Investigators traced the proceeds to Mali, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, where they were converted into cryptocurrencies, and identified coordination from Russia. Arrests included a Cameroonian national and two Senegalese carriers, and a complaint was filed jointly with the lottery operator.

Two days later police in Keur Massar announced a separate fraud case involving social‑media influencer Réma ("Bébé Réma"). An 18‑year‑old man allegedly diverted more than 100 million CFA from his father’s business after being influenced by Réma. The investigation uncovered a network that extorted, laundered and concealed the funds, with Réma accused of handling about 19 million CFA. She returned a vehicle bought with part of the money, paid a partial settlement and agreed to repay the remainder. Eight suspects have been detained, with some released under provisional liberty while the judicial inquiry proceeds.

Both incidents illustrate a broader crackdown by Senegalese authorities on financial crimes, ranging from cross‑border online betting fraud to domestic fraud linked to social‑media personalities.