A high-stakes investigation into Melbet’s online betting platform has sent shockwaves through Senegal’s gaming sector. Launched in late January 2026 by the Financial Crime Investigation Unit, this probe exposes a shadowy network tied to Melbet, with charges including criminal association, fraudulent representation, and money laundering. The inquiry, conducted by the Cybercrime Division, reveals an elaborate scheme designed to exploit unsuspecting bettors through deceptive advertising and opaque financial flows.

Massive financial flows and deceptive tactics

The investigation highlights staggering financial movements linked to Melbet’s operations in Senegal. Between September and December 2025, judicial records from payment operator Wave revealed transactions totaling over 29.5 billion West African CFA francs in client deposits, with only about 23.5 billion CFA francs returned to users. This discrepancy of nearly 6 billion CFA francs has raised red flags among investigators, who suspect systematic money laundering and hidden fund retention.

Cyber patrols uncovered a sophisticated marketing strategy, with Melbet’s ads flooding Facebook and Meta platforms. These promotions lured bettors with exaggerated claims of instant, life-changing winnings, such as “millions to win daily.” To claim these fictitious prizes, users were coerced into making small advance payments through unregulated payment interfaces like the “Game Sawa” app, further enriching the illicit network.

The scheme’s credibility was artificially bolstered by unauthorized use of institutional symbols and public figures. Investigators found that Melbet’s ads falsely leveraged the logo of Senegal’s national broadcaster, RTS, and even featured the likeness of international football star Sadio Mané, misleading the public and bypassing scrutiny.

An opaque corporate structure with international ramifications

Probing Melbet’s legal framework has uncovered a labyrinth of shell companies designed to circumvent regulatory hurdles. At the center lies Melbet Limited, a Cypriot-registered entity currently facing dissolution, rendering it legally incapable of operating internationally. To bypass this restriction, an intricate network of front companies, including Vikhrédia Suarl and Batnesto Ltd, was allegedly employed. These entities operated through domain leasing agreements, which granted no legitimate rights to offer gambling services.

Senegal’s National Lottery Regulatory Authority (Lonase) has firmly distanced itself from Melbet, emphasizing that no contractual ties exist between the two. The authority has reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict transparency and anti-money laundering regulations, signaling a zero-tolerance stance toward illicit gaming operations.