Burkinabé authorities arrested twelve Beninese nationals in Gaoua, Burkina Faso, on charges of alleged fraud. Security officials conducted the arrests on 21 October and 22 October 2026. The apprehension of these twelve Beninese nationals in Gaoua, Burkina Faso, marks a significant development in the local efforts to curb fraudulent activities. The operation was executed over two specific dates to ensure the containment of all involved parties, with the arrests occurring on 21 October and 22 October 2026.
Details of Fraud Networks
Fraud networks operating in the region marketed amulets and rings as lucky charms to unsuspecting targets. Investigators found these items were sold for prices ranging from 15,000 to 25,000 FCFA. These fraud networks utilized the distribution of amulets and rings as lucky charms as a primary method for extracting money from the public. The fraud networks sold amulets and rings as lucky charms for prices between 15,000 and 25,000 FCFA, targeting individuals who believed in the efficacy of these spiritual items.
Security forces conducted the operation in two distinct phases to dismantle the groups. Authorities arrested three suspects initially, followed by the apprehension of nine additional individuals at Tielkan on 22 October 2026. Three suspects were arrested in the first group, and nine were arrested in a second group at Tielkan on October 22, 2026. This tactical approach allowed the security forces to systematically dismantle the operations of the twelve Beninese nationals.
Théophile Zongo, captain and head of the regional judicial police service (SRPJ) of Djôrô, characterized the criminal activity as "l’escroquerie sous couvert de pratiques spirituelles." The suspects currently remain in custody as officials process the evidence collected during the raids. Captain Théophile Zongo continues to oversee the case as the regional judicial police service (SRPJ) of Djôrô compiles the findings from the investigation.
Specific Allegations and Extortion
One complainant reported losing 185,000 FCFA to individuals posing as traditional healers. These perpetrators initially gained the victim's trust before securing the funds under the pretense of providing spiritual assistance. A complainant reported losing 185,000 FCFA to individuals posing as traditional healers during the course of the fraudulent scheme. By adopting the guise of traditional healers, the suspects were able to manipulate victims into handing over substantial sums of money.
Following the initial payment, the suspects allegedly demanded an additional 800,000 FCFA from the victim. The group issued this demand under threat, pressuring the individual to provide the money to avoid unspecified consequences. Authorities are currently documenting these extortion claims as part of the broader investigation into the twelve Beninese nationals apprehended in the region. The investigation into the twelve Beninese nationals remains active as police continue to verify the extortion claims and the methods used by the perpetrators to coerce victims into making additional payments.
