In Senegal, the Special Division for Combating Cybercrime (DSC) has put an end to the activities of two dangerous individuals. Accused of fraud, digital quackery, and money laundering, they managed to extort 8.5 million CFA francs from a young farmer by exploiting his credulity through mystical practices.

The trap of the "blessed potion" and the djinns

The story begins in 2025 at the Jaxaay police station, where the main suspect meets the victim. Posing as a spiritual guide with special powers, he promises to make her farm prosper. To seal the pact, he gives her a liquid to drink, supposedly "blessed" following a mystical consultation ( listikhar ).

Once the drink is consumed, the victim loses their free will and falls completely under the control of the scammers. They then activate their scheme:

1. The modus operandi: Regularly request money by bank transfer and in cash.
2. The pretext: To satisfy the demands of djinns (called rawanes ) who would demand financial offerings.

A family herd decimated to pay off the "crooks"

Completely under the influence, the young man complied several times:

1. 6.5 million CFA francs are sent via Orange Money.
2. 2 million CFA francs are handed over in cash.

To raise such sums, the victim did not hesitate to secretly sell nine oxen from the family herd based in Kounoune. It was ultimately the victim's father who, in April 2026, uncovered the scheme after noticing suspicious disappearances among his livestock. He immediately filed a complaint with the police.

Arrest, confession, and heavy penalties incurred

When questioned by the DSC officers, the two accomplices quickly confessed. The mastermind even admitted to investing the loot in building a house in his home village.

What the law says: According to the Senegalese Penal Code, the suspects face serious charges: fraud (for using fraudulent maneuvers aimed at defrauding the victim) and money laundering (for reinvesting funds of criminal origin).

The case could escalate. Analysis of the suspects' accounts has revealed other suspicious transactions, prompting investigators to continue their inquiries.

National Police call for vigilance

In response to the resurgence of these practices, the National Police urges the public to exercise extreme caution regarding promises of easy wealth and bogus spiritual guides. They remind the public that a freephone number, 800 00 17 00 , is available to anyone with useful information about these types of networks.