A major financial scandal has erupted in Senegal’s online gambling sector after authorities launched a sweeping investigation into Melbet’s operations. The probe, spearheaded by the Special Cybercrime Unit, began in January 2026 and has since exposed a complex network allegedly involved in money laundering, fraudulent representation, and criminal association. Court filings reveal that the case centers on transactions exceeding 29.5 billion FCFA processed through Wave, with only 23.5 billion FCFA returned to users—a discrepancy investigators attribute to potential money laundering schemes.

Massive financial flows and deceptive practices

The investigation highlights a pattern of deceptive practices designed to lure unsuspecting bettors. Between September and December 2025 alone, judicial records show that Melbet’s payment system processed over 29.5 billion FCFA in deposits. Yet, only 23.5 billion FCFA were disbursed to users, leaving a suspicious gap of nearly 6 billion FCFA unaccounted for. Authorities suspect these funds were diverted through opaque channels, including unregulated payment interfaces like Game Sawa, which required users to make advance micro-payments to supposedly claim winnings.

Deceptive advertising played a key role in the scheme. Investigators found that Melbet’s promotions, heavily promoted on Facebook and Meta, lured bettors with promises of instant wealth, such as “millions to win daily.” To add credibility, the ads falsely used the logo of Senegal’s national broadcaster, RTS, and even featured the likeness of football star Sadio Mané without authorization.

An opaque corporate structure with international reach

Prosecutors have scrutinized Melbet’s corporate framework, revealing a web of shell companies designed to bypass regulatory scrutiny. While the platform’s nominal headquarters is in Cyprus under Melbet Limited, this entity faces dissolution proceedings, rendering it legally incapable of operating. To circumvent this, investigators allege that Melbet relied on front companies like Vikhrédia Suarl and Batnesto Ltd, which operated under dubious domain lease agreements offering no legitimate gambling licenses.

Regulators at Senegal’s National Lottery Office (Lonase) have firmly distanced themselves from Melbet, emphasizing that the platform lacks any contractual ties to the agency. The Lonase has reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict transparency and anti-money laundering regulations, signaling a zero-tolerance stance toward unlicensed gambling operations.