Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Senegalese investigators have identified a Gambian national, Momodou Lamin Saidykhan, as a central figure in a sprawling alleged criminal network involving sexual blackmail, prostitution, and online exploitation uncovered in Dakar.
Officers from the Criminal Investigation Division (DIC) uncovered two WhatsApp groups with nearly 500 members allegedly used to coordinate paid erotic video calls and sexual encounters that were secretly recorded and later used for blackmail.
Authorities say the groups circulated explicit videos and arranged meetings that often ended in extortion attempts against victims.
Investigators believe Saidykhan, also known by the alias “Nazir,” played a key coordinating role in the network. His alleged involvement has prompted prosecutors to consider opening a formal judicial investigation following a return of the case file from the prosecutor’s office.
The case could potentially involve cross-border cooperation with Gambian authorities, given the suspect’s nationality and possible links across the two neighboring countries.
In recent years, security agencies in Senegal and The Gambia have intensified joint operations targeting transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, cyber fraud, and human trafficking.
Law enforcement collaboration between the two countries has yielded several successful arrests in recent operations along the shared border, raising the likelihood that Senegalese investigators could seek assistance from Gambian counterparts if elements of the alleged network extend into Gambian territory.
Arrest of Ouzin Keita
Among those arrested in the case involving Saidykhan is Senegalese singer and comedian Ouzin Keita, widely known in the country for his flamboyant fashion style and eccentric public persona.
Keita was reportedly in The Gambia when news of the crackdown on alleged homosexual networks in Senegal first emerged. Sources say he prolonged his stay in the neighboring country after sensing the risk of arrest. He eventually returned to Dakar less than a week ago.
Shortly after his return, Keita was arrested along with 14 other individuals during what authorities described as a routine anti-narcotics operation in the upscale Almadies district of Dakar.
During questioning, Keita reportedly told investigators he had previously been the victim of a gang rape in the Cité Fadia estate and insisted that his last sexual relationship with a man occurred two years ago.
However, investigators say he disclosed during interrogation that he is HIV-positive, prompting authorities to request voluntary HIV tests from other suspects linked to the case. According to reports, the other individuals agreed to undergo screening.
Keita also reportedly mentioned a man identified only as “Ass,” whom he described as his “spiritual son.” Authorities say this individual is currently being actively sought as part of the investigation.
Expanding Probe
Investigators say the suspects were discovered gathered inside an apartment where some were allegedly found wearing only underwear. Evidence seized reportedly included mobile phones containing explicit recordings exchanged among members of the network.
The case has continued to widen as investigators analyze digital evidence and track other potential members of the WhatsApp groups.
The growing scale of the probe, combined with the alleged involvement of a Gambian national, could lead to a broader regional investigation should authorities determine that parts of the network operated across the Senegal–Gambia border.
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