Ouagadougou: The Burkinabe prosecutor at the Ouagadougou High Court, Blaise Bazi©, revealed that proceedings have begun against nine Burkinabe citizens who were arrested in Ghana and subsequently repatriated to Burkina Faso. These individuals face charges including QNET fraud, extortion, and human trafficking.
According to Burkina Information Agency, these charges come after the Ghanaian police repatriated 22 Burkinabe nationals involved in QNET activities. Investigations identified nine individuals as perpetrators of multiple offenses, prompting the Burkinabe justice system to initiate legal action. The accused, some of whom were already wanted by authorities, have been in custody since June 5, 2025, with a court hearing scheduled for June 17, 2025.
The prosecution has identified the alleged masterminds of this extensive scam network, referred to as "leaders," including Seydou Ido, Issouf Zoungrana, Lassina D©m©, Abdoul Fatao Combasr©, and Hakim Guinko, among others. While some key figures remain in Ghana, the network's operations have been under scrutiny.
Police Divisional Commissioner Mariam Forogo/Yam©ogo elaborated on the fraudsters' tactics, noting that they varied based on the victim's interests. The accused, who posed as residing in Europe, lured victims by posting photos from luxurious locations. They falsely claimed to work for major companies providing lucrative job opportunities, directing interested individuals to accomplices in Ghana.
Victims were misled into believing they were preparing for job opportunities in Europe, only to discover the truth during interviews in Ghana. Those who refused to partake in the QNET activities were reportedly stripped of their possessions and held captive, with their communication devices confiscated.
The fraudsters also manipulated victims into believing they were employed by a Ghanaian company with high salaries, requiring payments for housing and language courses. Over 33 million CFA francs in damages have been reported, alongside broader social impacts such as school dropouts and job losses.
Prosecutor Bazi© emphasized the ongoing investigations to apprehend other network masterminds. The 13 victims identified are currently receiving care, awaiting reunification with their families. Bazi© commended the effective international police cooperation between Burkina Faso and Ghana in addressing this case.