The gaming industry in Sénégal is facing a major scandal following a sweeping investigation into the shadowy financial operations of the online betting platform Melbet. According to judicial sources, a secretive network linked to the company has been uncovered, involving individuals across Chypre, Russie, and Sénégal, now under strict judicial oversight.
Cybercrime unit uncovers massive financial fraud
The probe, spearheaded by the Division spéciale de lutte contre la cybercriminalité (DSC), reveals a complex web of money laundering and illicit fund transfers. Between September and December 2025, investigators tracked transactions totaling over 29.5 billion FCFA through the payment operator Wave. Yet only around 23.5 billion FCFA were returned to users, leaving a staggering unexplained gap of nearly 6 billion FCFA—a red flag for authorities probing possible money laundering schemes.
The scheme relied on aggressive digital marketing, with deceptive advertisements plastered across Facebook and Meta. Promises of instant millions lured unsuspecting bettors into a trap, where they were required to make micro-payments via unregulated channels like the Game Sawa app to supposedly claim their winnings. Investigators also found that fraudsters illegally exploited the logo of Radiodiffusion télévision sénégalaise (RTS) and the image of football icon Sadio Mané to lend false legitimacy to their operations.
International shell companies exploited for cover
The investigation has also exposed the shaky legal foundation of Melbet. Despite being registered in Chypre, the company faces a pending dissolution, rendering it legally unable to operate internationally. To bypass this, a network of front companies—including Vikhrédia Suarl and Batnesto Ltd—was allegedly set up to lease domain names without any valid gaming licenses. This blatant disregard for local regulations has drawn sharp criticism from the Loterie nationale sénégalaise (Lonase), which has repeatedly denied any contractual ties with Melbet and insists on full compliance with anti-money laundering laws.
The case, now under judicial control, highlights the growing challenge of transnational financial crime in Sénégal’s digital economy. Authorities continue to unravel the extent of the network, with arrests and asset seizures expected as the inquiry progresses.
