Mauritanian authorities have made a significant breakthrough in the case known as the "expatriate blogger file." Ahmed Salem Mohamed Najy, a suspect in the case, has confessed to receiving approximately 2 million ouguiyas through a fake company he created in 2023. The funds were transferred from the Mauritanian Popular Bank to the account of exiled blogger, Al-Hafiz Ould Lobed.
According to Najy's confession, Ould Lobed requested that he transfer the funds, amounting to 1.948.800 ouguiyas, to the account of his niece, Aziza, in the Bankinli bank. Najy confirmed that he transferred 1.948.000 ouguiyas to Aziza's account, stating that this was the only transaction he made on Ould Lobed's behalf. Najy also revealed that Ould Lobed asked him to keep the information confidential and to deny any involvement.
Najy further stated that Ould Lobed sent him a fake invoice, purportedly from his company, STAGMA SARL, which claimed to provide advertising services to the Bankinli application. The invoice showed that the company had received the funds, and that the contract had lasted for four months, with a monthly payment of 500,000 ouguiyas. Najy acknowledged that the signature on the invoice was his own.
Najy also revealed that Ould Lobed had contacted him in November 2023, informing him that a delegation from the Mauritanian Popular Bank was on a sensitization tour in the United States. Ould Lobed allegedly asked Najy to provide him with his company's account details to facilitate the transfer of funds. Najy admitted to creating the STAGMA SARL company on February 6, 2023, and opening two bank accounts, one with the Mauritanian International Trade Bank (BMCI) and the other with the Mauritanian Popular Bank.
The investigation has revealed that Najy's company was inactive, and that he had no legitimate business dealings. The case involves several other suspects, with some already imprisoned and others facing arrest warrants. The authorities have placed Najy under judicial supervision, along with eight other suspects.
The case has raised concerns about corruption and money laundering in Mauritania. The exiled blogger, Al-Hafiz Ould Lobed, is also a suspect in the case. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking to uncover the extent of the corruption and bring those responsible to justice.
Key questions remain unanswered, including the role of the Mauritanian Popular Bank in the alleged corruption. Authorities have yet to comment on the bank's involvement, but it is clear that the case has significant implications for the country's financial sector.
Key points
- Ahmed Salem Mohamed Najy received nearly 2 million ouguiyas through a fake company for exiled blogger Al-Hafiz Ould Lobed.
- Najy transferred the funds to Ould Lobed's niece's account in Bankinli bank.
- The case involves several suspects, with some imprisoned and others facing arrest warrants.
