Twelve suspected scammers of Beninese nationality were arrested on October 21 and 22, 2026, in Gaoua, a city in the southwestern region of Burkina Faso. The arrests were made by the Regional Judicial Police Service (SRPJ) of Djôrô. According to reports from the Burkinabé Information Agency (AIB), the suspects are accused of setting up two networks specializing in scams under the guise of spiritual practices.
The investigation was launched following a complaint filed on October 21, 2026, by a man who claimed to have been scammed out of 185,000 CFA francs by individuals posing as traditional practitioners. The scammers allegedly demanded an additional 800,000 CFA francs from the victim, threatening him with death or insanity if he did not comply. The suspects reportedly recruited young people in Benin and transported them to Burkina Faso, where they were tasked with approaching villagers and gold miners.
The scammers offered the victims rings and amulets presented as good luck charms, selling them for between 15,000 and 25,000 CFA francs. The victims were then directed to supposed spiritual masters who prescribed paid purification rituals. The amounts demanded could reach up to 800,000 CFA francs, with threats of misfortune, mental illness, or death made against those who refused to pay.
The suspects were arrested by the SRPJ, led by Captain Théophile Zongo, who stated that the scammers had set up a complex network to deceive people. The financial loss incurred in this affair has not yet been established. The suspects will be presented to the Public Prosecutor of the Republic near the Gaoua High Court to answer for the alleged crimes.
According to Captain Zongo, the scammers targeted vulnerable people in remote villages and gold mining sites. The SRPJ is working to dismantle the networks and bring the perpetrators to justice. The Burkinabé authorities have been cracking down on scams and other forms of organized crime in recent months.
The AIB report states that the suspects will face charges of fraud and other related offenses. The case highlights the need for vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat cross-border crimes. The Beninese and Burkinabé authorities are likely to collaborate on this case to ensure that the suspects are brought to justice.
The arrest of the twelve suspected scammers is a significant achievement for the Burkinabé authorities in their efforts to combat crime. The case also underscores the importance of public awareness and education to prevent such scams from occurring in the future. The suspects are currently in custody, awaiting trial.
Key points
- Twelve Beninese nationals suspected of scamming people in Burkina Faso have been arrested in Gaoua.
- The suspects are accused of setting up two networks specializing in scams under the guise of spiritual practices.
- The financial loss incurred in this affair has not yet been established.
