The Cybercrime Fighting Police (PLCC) announced the dismantling of a network suspected of using fake Mobile Money gift messages to extort more than 231 million FCFA from victims in Côte d’Ivoire. The case includes 503 complaints featuring a similar modus operandi.
The investigation was launched following a complaint from a user identified by the initials B.A.K.J. He had received a message announcing an alleged gift of 37,000 FCFA. After following a link and providing confidential information, three unauthorized transactions were made on his account for a total of 584,480 FCFA.
Ivory Coast: 38 Candidates for the First National Internship Competition in Odonto-StomatologyThe same scenario repeated with hundreds of victims
According to information provided by the PLCC, the suspects were spreading messages promising a gain, then directing victims to fraudulent links designed to capture their usernames and secret codes. The funds were then transferred to various financial services.
The investigators have identified several individuals in the case. T. D., described as the alleged mastermind of the network, reportedly explained that he discovered the scam scheme through a Facebook post before seeking suppliers of fraudulent links. Several suspects have been arrested, while two other individuals are still being sought.
At the end of the procedure, T. D. was brought before the Prosecutor’s Office of the Economic and Financial Criminal Division. The alleged offenses include, in particular, fraudulent access to an information system, fraudulent obtaining of benefits, and fraudulent use of identification elements within an organized group.
The total amount of damages recorded in the 503 complaints is estimated at 231,257,725 FCFA, according to the PLCC.
