Three Beninese arrested in Niger over fake customs auctions
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Bénin Web TV
Nigerien judicial police have arrested three Beninese nationals in Gaya suspected of organising fake auctions attributed to Customs. Investigators have recorded more than 37 complainants and provisional losses of 7 million CFA francs; a fourth suspect living in Benin is being sought, according to judicial police.
Nigerien judicial police have arrested three Beninese nationals in Gaya suspected of organising fake auctions attributed to Customs, Bénin Web TV reports. The investigation has recorded more than 37 complainants and provisional losses of 7 million CFA francs, according to the Directorate of Judicial Police.
The adverts were circulated on social media using the state seal and the stamp and signature of the director-general of Customs. Interested people were then directed to WhatsApp, where they sent their identity documents before making payments to Nita and Amana accounts.
Investigators attribute to the suspects, aged 23, 24 and 27, the creation of the accounts, withdrawal of the funds and their transfer to Benin, notably via MTN MoMo. A fourth suspect, who is believed to live in Benin, is being sought. Judicial police advise people to check offers before making any payment and not to send personal documents to an unverified contact.
The case comes after Benin Customs denied, on 2 July 2026, a fraudulent Facebook advertisement for the sale of vehicles and motorcycles. The fake account demanded registration fees through mobile payments or exchanges on WhatsApp.
