An explosive investigation has rocked Senegal’s online gaming sector, revealing what authorities describe as a vast, organized criminal operation centered on the Melbet betting platform. Prosecutors opened a formal case in late January 2026 at the Financial Crimes Unit, following a sweeping probe by the Cybercrime Division. The inquiry uncovered evidence of fraudulent practices, including money laundering and identity theft, with financial transactions totaling over 29.5 billion West African CFA francs between September and December 2025 alone.

Massive financial flows and deceptive practices

The investigation has shed light on a complex web of financial movements linked to Melbet. Official records from the mobile payment provider Wave show that clients deposited over 29.5 billion CFA francs during the four-month period, while only around 23.5 billion was returned to users. This unexplained shortfall of nearly 6 billion CFA francs has raised serious concerns among investigators, who suspect deliberate money laundering and fund retention schemes.

Victims were lured into high-stakes virtual games promising instant, life-changing payouts—often advertised as “millions won daily” on social media platforms like Facebook and Meta. To claim their supposed winnings, users were instructed to make small upfront payments through unofficial payment gateways such as the “Game Sawa” app, which operates outside the regulatory oversight of Senegal’s National Lottery (Lonase).

Investigators also discovered that the fraudulent campaigns exploited false legitimacy by misusing official symbols and public figures. Unauthorized use of the logo from the Senegalese Broadcasting Corporation (RTS) and images of international footballer Sadio Mané were used to deceive the public and build trust in the scam.

An opaque corporate structure with international ties

The probe into Melbet’s operations uncovered a deliberately convoluted corporate structure. The platform’s original Cyprus-based entity, Melbet Limited, is currently undergoing dissolution proceedings, effectively stripping it of any legal capacity to operate internationally.

To bypass this legal hurdle, investigators believe a network of shell companies was deployed. Documents point to entities such as Vikhrédia Suarl and Batnesto Ltd, which allegedly operated through domain name leasing agreements that conferred no legitimate gaming license. In response, the National Lottery (Lonase) has reiterated its non-recognition of Melbet and emphasized strict compliance with anti-money laundering and transparency regulations.