Mauritanian police have arrested Mohamed Yaghi Ould Sidi Yahya, a contract mediator for the electronic payment app "Al Sadaad" owned by the Mauritanian Investment Bank. The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into a case known as the "external bloggers" file. According to sources, the police are investigating alleged financial extortion through "Al Sadaad" operations.
Ould Sidi Yahya is also the head of publishing for the online platform "Al Manassa". His arrest is the latest in a series of detentions made by the police this week. At least ten people have been taken into custody as part of the investigation. The case involves allegations of financial extortion and the spread of false information.
The Mauritanian government's spokesperson, Hussein Ould Medou, confirmed that six people have been arrested so far in a crackdown on what authorities describe as a financial extortion network. He warned that the number of arrests is likely to rise as security agencies continue their investigations. The network allegedly uses online platforms to spread false information and extort money from individuals.
According to Ould Medou, the extortion network has evolved into an industry with its own mechanisms and tools. These are used to publish and distribute false information, damage individuals' reputations, and achieve material and vindictive goals. The goals include buying silence, threatening victims, and spreading obscenity and harm in the public sphere.
The investigation into the "external bloggers" case is ongoing, with police working to uncover the extent of the alleged extortion network. Authorities have not yet provided details on the individuals arrested or the specific charges they face. The case has raised concerns about online safety and the spread of misinformation in Mauritania.
The Mauritanian government has assured the public that it is committed to tackling the issue of online extortion and protecting citizens from harm. The authorities have urged individuals who have been targeted by the alleged extortion network to come forward and report their experiences. This will help in building a stronger case against those responsible.
The case highlights the challenges faced by authorities in regulating online activities and preventing the spread of false information. It also underscores the need for greater awareness and education on online safety and the responsible use of digital platforms. The investigation is expected to continue in the coming days, with more arrests possible.
Key points
- The Mauritanian police have arrested a mediator for the electronic payment app "Al Sadaad" as part of an investigation into alleged financial extortion.
- At least ten people have been detained in connection with the case, which involves allegations of financial extortion and the spread of false information.
- The authorities have warned that the number of arrests is likely to rise as security agencies continue their investigations.
