A young man appeared before the Court of Repression of Economic and Terrorism Offenses (CRIET) on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Bénin, facing serious charges of internet fraud and suspected cybercriminal activities. The individual is accused of impersonating a money changer online to defraud a victim, who subsequently transferred 509,000 FCFA. CRIET is prosecuting him for these alleged offenses, which fall under the scope of fraud via the internet. The court proceedings have commenced, and a decision from the court is expected later this year, with CRIET stating, "La décision de la CRIET est attendue le 25 juin 2026." The case notes the growing concern over online scams and the efforts of legal authorities to combat such illicit activities in the region.
How the Scam Unfolded
The incident that led to the court appearance began when the victim initiated contact with the accused, Armel TOGNON, by mistake, intending to reach her usual money changer. This misdirected communication led to the victim inadvertently transferring a significant sum of 509,000 FCFA to Mr. TOGNON. The victim had intended to complete a legitimate transaction with her regular money changer but, due to the error, sent the funds to the wrong recipient, who then allegedly exploited the situation. Upon realizing the error and the fraudulent nature of the transaction, the victim promptly reported the incident to the Centre national d’investigations numériques (CNIN), also known as the National Center for Digital Investigations. Following a thorough investigation conducted by the CNIN, which gathered evidence pertaining to the online transaction and the alleged impersonation, Armel TOGNON was subsequently arrested and placed under a detention order, indicating the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the allegations.
Alleged Wider Criminal Network
Beyond the immediate case, the accused, Armel TOGNON, is also suspected of operating through a broader scheme. He allegedly operates by posing as an agent of the Loterie Nationale du Bénin. In this capacity, he purportedly contacts potential victims, leveraging the trust associated with a national lottery. He then announces fictitious winnings to these individuals, creating a false sense of fortune and urgency. To claim these non-existent prizes, victims are prompted to click on links provided by him. This method is allegedly used to steal personal data from the victims, allowing the accused to potentially commit further acts of fraud or identity theft. Such tactics show the sophisticated nature of the cybercriminal activities he is suspected of conducting.
Court Proceedings and Defense
During the recent court proceedings, Armel TOGNON admitted to receiving the funds that were mistakenly intended for the victim's money changer. This admission confirms the transfer of 509,000 FCFA into his account. However, during his defense, Mr. TOGNON vehemently denied the accusations of cybercriminality leveled against him by the prosecution. He maintained that while the funds were received, his actions did not constitute cybercrime as defined by law. The public prosecutor, presenting the state's case and emphasizing the gravity of the alleged offenses, requested a severe sentence of five years imprisonment for Mr. TOGNON. In addition to the custodial sentence, the prosecutor also asked the court to impose a substantial fine of two million FCFA, aiming to penalize the financial gains from the alleged fraud and deter similar future crimes.
Legal Ramifications and Next Steps
The Court of Repression of Economic and Terrorism Offenses (CRIET) is scheduled to deliver its decision in the case on June 25, 2026. This eagerly anticipated date will determine the legal outcome for Armel TOGNON following the public prosecutor's request for a five-year imprisonment sentence and a two million FCFA fine. The CRIET's judgment will mark the conclusion of the initial legal proceedings concerning the charges of internet fraud and suspected cybercriminal activities. The court's decision will be key in setting a precedent for future cases involving online fraud and cybercrime in Bénin, reflecting the judiciary's commitment to upholding economic security and digital safety. The official statement from CRIET reiterated, "La décision de la CRIET est attendue le 25 juin 2026," showing the finality of this upcoming ruling.
