The Cour de répression des infractions économiques et du terrorisme (CRIET) in Bénin began a trial on 2 November 2026 concerning an alleged impersonation scam. Prosecutors accuse an individual of targeting victims by posing as former First Lady Claudine Talon to solicit funds. One victim reported losing 910,000 FCFA after being promised financial assistance through the scheme. The proceedings examine the methods used to deceive individuals under the guise of the former First Lady’s identity. The court is now reviewing evidence related to these fraudulent activities.
Details of the Digital Scam
Messenger served as the primary platform for these fraudulent activities. The defendant established a presence on the application by utilizing the name and official photograph of Claudine Talon to deceive unsuspecting users.
Investigations into the digital footprint of the accused revealed that these operations were not limited to a single impersonation. Prosecutors allege that the perpetrator also adopted the identity of the current First Lady, Nathalie Villette Wadagni, to conduct similar solicitations. By cycling through the personas of these prominent figures, the individual sought to gain the trust of victims under the guise of official charitable or financial outreach. The court is currently evaluating the digital evidence recovered from these accounts to determine the full extent of the impersonation scheme.
Prosecution Demands and Sentencing
Prosecutors requested a five-year prison sentence for the defendant during the hearing at the Cour de répression des infractions économiques et du terrorisme (CRIET). This proposed term includes four years of firm imprisonment. The state legal representatives argued for this duration based on the evidence presented regarding the impersonation of Claudine Talon and Nathalie Villette Wadagni.
Financial restitution for the victims also forms a central part of the legal demand. The prosecution requested that the defendant pay one million FCFA in damages to the victim who reported losing 910,000 FCFA. This sum is intended to address the financial losses incurred during the fraudulent solicitations conducted through the Messenger platform.
Final deliberations regarding the case remain underway. The CRIET is scheduled to deliver its decision on 21 December 2026. The court will determine the final sentencing and financial penalties at that time based on the evidence reviewed during the proceedings.
