In a dramatic turn of events, the Tambacounda Gendarmerie has busted a fraudulent scheme involving a Gambian Mallam, A. C., and his Senegalese accomplice, F. B. Diallo. The duo stands accused of charlatanism, fraud totaling 6,100,000 CFA francs, and possession of counterfeit banknotes.
The Gambian suspect masqueraded as a Malian Mallam and rented two apartments in Tambacounda. His Senegalese partner aided him in his deception, aiming to enhance their chances of defrauding unsuspecting individuals.
F. B. Diallo played a pivotal role in luring clients to the charlatan, A. C., and showering praise on his purported mystical abilities in front of their victims.
Their scheme targeted A. Diallo, a trader in Diaobé, who sought to increase his profits to achieve wealth. Initially, the Gambian Mallam demanded 3,000,000 CFA francs from him for purchasing mercury. To further entice his client, the charlatan displayed a briefcase filled with banknotes a few days later.
The scam deepened when the Gambian Mallam convinced A. Diallo to hand over 3 million CFA francs to his supposed disciple in Vélingara before receiving the money briefcase. Consequently, the deceived merchant paid a total of six million CFA francs but struggled to obtain the promised suitcase.
When A. Diallo questioned the delay in receiving his money, the Gambian Mallam demanded an additional 2 million CFA francs for scavenger eggs, leading to suspicions of foul play.
Frustrated by the ongoing deception, A. Diallo reported the matter to the public prosecutor’s office in Tambacounda, prompting the renowned Senegalese Brigade de Recherches (BR) to launch an investigation under the supervision of Major Goudiaby.
The swift action culminated in the arrest, charging, and processing of both the Gambian Mallam, A. C., and his accomplice, F. B. Diallo, at the prosecutor’s office for indictment. This crackdown serves as a warning to would-be fraudsters, as law enforcement continues to safeguard against such scams in the region.
