The Economic and Financial Criminal Division (PPEF) of Abidjan examined, on Wednesday, April 8, the request for provisional release of Koffo Doga Sévérin , CEO of KDS Holding. Accused of fraud involving more than 10 billion CFA francs , the defendant will learn his fate on Monday , April 13 .

The defense's arguments

Held in pretrial detention since June 2024 (nearly 22 months), the head of KDS Holding is attempting to secure his release from prison under judicial supervision. To convince the court, his defense has presented several guarantees:

1. A bail of 10 million FCFA was offered to the court.
2. Guarantees of representation , including a fixed address justified by a lease agreement.
3. A stable personal situation , highlighting his family responsibilities (father of six children) and his cooperation with investigators.

A firm opposition from the Public Prosecutor's Office and the victims

This request, however, faces categorical opposition from the Public Prosecutor's Office and the civil parties. The lawyer representing 467 subscribers condemned the request as inappropriate given the seriousness of the facts.

The main sticking points are:

1. The extent of the damage: The estimated amount is at least 10.238 billion FCFA , a figure that could increase with the arrival of new plaintiffs.
2. The risk of flight: The absence of real estate identified in the name of the accused, despite the sums of money involved, raises fears of disappearance from the territory.
3. Public order: The civil parties recall the strong social tensions caused by the collapse of this investment system, often compared to a Ponzi scheme .

Summary of the facts

The KDS Holding case erupted following complaints from hundreds of investors lured by promises of high returns in the ride-hailing sector. The substantive trial cannot truly proceed until the PPEF (French Prosecutor's Office) decides on this provisional release measure, expected early next week.