A sweeping judicial inquiry has been launched in Senegal targeting the shadowy financial networks behind the Melbet betting platform. In late January 2026, the Financial Crime Investigation Unit opened a case focusing on allegations of organized crime, fraud, and money laundering. The investigation, led by the Special Cybercrime Division, has exposed a sophisticated scheme involving Filipp Mikhalin, a Russian national, Mécapeu Catherine Prisca Droh, an Ivorian citizen, along with accomplices from Senegal and Moldova, all currently under judicial supervision.
Massive financial flows and deceptive practices
The probe revealed staggering financial transactions linked to Melbet’s operations. Between September and December 2025, judicial authorities examined payment records from Wave, a major mobile money operator. The data showed client deposits totaling over 29.5 billion West African CFA francs, with payouts amounting to around 23.5 billion West African CFA francs. This discrepancy of nearly 6 billion West African CFA francs raises serious concerns about potential money laundering and fund mismanagement.
The modus operandi involved luring users with aggressive advertising campaigns on social media platforms like Facebook and Meta. Promises of “millions to win daily” masked a fraudulent system where users were required to make small, unofficial payments through unregulated interfaces such as the Game Sawa app to allegedly claim their winnings. The investigation also uncovered the unauthorized use of institutional symbols, including the logo of the Senegalese Broadcasting Corporation (RTS) and images of football star Sadio Mané, to lend false credibility to these campaigns.
International ramifications and legal opacity
At the heart of the scandal lies Melbet’s corporate structure, which is shrouded in ambiguity. The original entity, Melbet Limited, registered in Cyprus, faces dissolution proceedings, rendering it legally unable to operate internationally. To bypass this obstacle, a network of shell companies—including Vikhrédia Suarl and Batnesto Ltd—was allegedly deployed. These entities, linked through domain lease agreements, lacked any legitimate gaming licenses, further complicating the platform’s legal standing.
The National Lottery of Senegal (Lonase) has firmly distanced itself from Melbet, emphasizing its strict adherence to regulatory frameworks governing transparency and anti-money laundering. The case underscores the challenges authorities face in policing cross-border financial crimes in an increasingly digital betting landscape.