Senegalese wrestler Oumar Kane, popularly known as Reug Reug, was recently interrogated by investigators from the Brigade de recherches de Faidherbe regarding his alleged involvement in a counterfeit money case. According to reports, Reug Reug denied any wrongdoing, stating that he was merely transporting a sealed package without knowledge of its contents. The case involves the seizure of over 830 million francs CFA in counterfeit $100 bills.
Reug Reug reportedly told investigators that he received the package sealed and scellé, and that he was not aware of its contents. He claimed to have transported the package in a Mazda to an apartment in the Maristes area, where he handed it over to his uncle, Amadou Bamba Ndiaye. The wrestler maintained that he was acting on his uncle's instructions and did not know that the package contained counterfeit money.
However, investigators have raised several questions about Reug Reug's version of events. They asked why he remained at the scene while discussions were ongoing about the "washing" of the counterfeit bills and why he attended negotiations between those present. Reug Reug reportedly stuck to his story, stating that he had been asked by his uncle to stay and had no knowledge of the package's contents.
The case involves the seizure of counterfeit money with a value of over 830 million francs CFA. The Douane sénégalaise had previously seized over one billion FCFA in counterfeit bills between Louga and Thiès in March and April 2022. Reug Reug, his uncle Amadou Bamba Ndiaye, and a third suspect, Diégane Faye, have been referred to the parquet financier on charges of association de malfaiteurs, contrefaçon de signes monétaires, and blanchiment de capitaux.
Amadou Bamba Ndiaye has claimed ownership of the seized counterfeit bills, while Diégane Faye has reportedly mentioned a promoter of horse racing who is currently being sought by investigators. The Brigade de recherches de Faidherbe conducted the operation that led to the seizure of the counterfeit money and the arrest of the three suspects.
Reug Reug and his co-accused are set to face prosecution for their alleged roles in the counterfeit money case. The case has garnered significant attention in Senegal, given the large quantity of counterfeit money seized and the involvement of a well-known public figure like Reug Reug.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking to uncover the full extent of the counterfeit money operation and the individuals involved. The case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating financial crimes in Senegal.
Key points
- Reug Reug denies involvement in counterfeit money case, claiming he was unaware of package contents.
- Investigators question Reug Reug's version of events, citing inconsistencies in his story.
- Three suspects, including Reug Reug, referred to parquet financier on charges related to counterfeit money and financial crimes.
