IS Badji, MD Traoré, and M. Diagne were brought before Prosecutor Saliou Dicko, head of the Pikine-Guédiawaye prosecutor's office, on Monday, following an investigation conducted by the Keur Massar Gendarmerie Company's Research Brigade. The three men are suspected of having submitted fraudulent applications during the annual ram purchase operation organized by the National Gendarmerie's mutual aid society in the lead-up to Tabaski (Eid al-Adha), according to Seneweb sources.

A social initiative that has become a target for fraudsters

Each year, the National Gendarmerie's mutual insurance fund sets up a program enabling members of the armed forces, paramilitary units, and certain teaching staff to purchase rams for the Eid al-Adha sacrifice, commonly known as Tabaski in Senegal. The program is based on a payment plan spread over four months, making the purchase accessible to a wide range of people.

To benefit from this program, each applicant must compile a file containing their three most recent payslips, a copy of their national identity card, a copy of their professional card, and a membership card sold for 2,000 FCFA by the mutual insurance company. The physical presence of the applicant or a representative with a duly signed and legalized power of attorney is also required. Applications are submitted to the Intervention Legion (LGI) in Mbao, where they undergo a review process involving the payroll department and other relevant services before final approval.

It was during the processing of applications for the 2026 edition that the oversight committee detected the first irregularities. The two civilians, IS Badji and Matar D. Traoré, were apprehended after submitting applications containing forged documents: fake professional cards, fake pay slips, and fake copies of national identity cards.

According to the investigation, these documents were allegedly transmitted electronically—via WhatsApp—by an individual named A. Niang, presented as a member of the security forces stationed in Cap Skirring. He reportedly offered his contacts the opportunity to submit the applications and receive the vouchers in exchange for 90,000 FCFA, a price significantly lower than the official price of 140,000 FCFA set by the sales commission. This 50,000 FCFA difference per application represented a substantial source of profit for the alleged instigator, in addition to the fraud perpetrated on each transaction.

IS Badji and MD Traoré, described as regulars in this type of approach, were apprehended by the Keur Massar Research Brigade while they were in possession of these documents which the commission formally declared false.

A third suspect has been identified.

As the investigation progressed, the gendarmes of the Keur Massar Research Brigade identified a third suspect: Mr. Diagne, a retired soldier.

At the end of the investigation, the three accused were presented this Monday before the public prosecutor Saliou Dicko, head of the prosecutor's office of the Pikine-Guédiawaye High Court.