Melbet scandal: suspicious financial flows between Senegal, cyprus and Russia

The online betting industry in Sénégal is once again shaken by a major scandal as authorities uncover a sophisticated fraud network linked to the controversial platform Melbet. An investigation by the Division spéciale de lutte contre la cybercriminalité (DSC) has exposed an intricate web of financial operations spanning multiple countries, raising serious questions about regulatory oversight and money laundering risks.

Massive financial discrepancies and deceptive advertising tactics

Between September and December 2025, transaction records obtained from payment processor Wave revealed staggering figures: over 29.5 billion FCFA in customer deposits, with only about 23.5 billion FCFA returned to users. The unexplained gap of nearly 6 billion FCFA has triggered deep suspicion among investigators, who suspect systematic fund retention and money laundering mechanisms.

Investigators found that users were lured by aggressive advertising campaigns on Facebook and Meta, promising instant wealth with slogans like “millions to win every day.” To claim fictitious prizes, victims were required to make micro-payments through unregulated merchant interfaces such as the app Game Sawa, which operates outside the legal framework of the Loterie nationale sénégalaise (Lonase).

The deception was further amplified by the misuse of official symbols. Unauthorized use of the Radiodiffusion télévision sénégalaise (RTS) logo and images of football star Sadio Mané lent false legitimacy to the fraudulent promotions, misleading the public.

International ramifications and shell company networks

The probe has unearthed a complex corporate structure designed to bypass legal restrictions. At the center lies Melbet Limited, a Cypriot entity that has been placed under judicial liquidation, rendering it legally incapable of operating internationally. To circumvent this obstacle, investigators believe a network of shell companies—including Vikhrédia Suarl and Batnesto Ltd—was established to manage domain registrations without acquiring any legitimate gaming license.

These contracts, lacking transparency and compliance, have drawn strong condemnation from the Lonase, which reiterates its strict stance: no direct contractual relationship exists with Melbet, and all operators must adhere to national regulations on transparency and anti-money laundering.

Key suspects and ongoing legal proceedings

The investigation has led to the judicial supervision of several individuals, including Filipp Mikhalin (Russian), Mécapeu Catherine Prisca Droh (Ivorian), and accomplices from Sénégal and Moldova. They face charges of criminal association, identity fraud, and money laundering in connection with the operation of the Melbet platform.

As the case unfolds in the Pool judiciaire financier, authorities remain vigilant about the potential for similar schemes to exploit weaknesses in online gaming regulation across West Africa.