Journalist and media executive Madiambal Diagne has fled Senegal for France, despite being wanted by the Criminal Investigation Division (DIC) in a high-profile case involving suspicious financial flows estimated at 21 billion CFA francs.
His escape has triggered international media attention and intensified scrutiny of Senegal’s financial and judicial systems.
Two of Diagne’s sons, his wife, and his marabout were arrested in Dakar and charged with criminal conspiracy, fraud involving public funds, and money laundering within an organized criminal group.
The case, overseen by the Financial Judicial Pool, stems from a report by CENTIF, Senegal’s financial intelligence unit, which identified irregular movements totaling tens of billions of CFA francs.
“Despite being summoned by the court, I have now left the country for France,” Diagne announced via social media, drawing widespread public attention and raising questions about his willingness to cooperate with Senegalese authorities.
An international arrest warrant has since been issued, potentially triggering cross-border legal and diplomatic procedures.
The journalist’s departure prompted immediate administrative consequences. The Minister of the Interior dismissed the director of the Criminal Investigations Division and the special commissioner at Blaise Diagne Airport, citing lapses that may have facilitated Diagne’s escape.
The move underscores the sensitivity of the case and the government’s determination to tighten oversight of high-profile investigations.
Beyond the immediate arrests, the case highlights Senegal’s obligations under regional and international anti-money laundering frameworks.
As a member of the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Senegal is committed to financial transparency and combating illicit capital flows.
Observers warn that the unfolding investigation could affect the country’s reputation among economic and institutional partners, prompting discussions on strengthening cross-border cooperation in financial crime enforcement.
Further developments are expected as authorities pursue the international arrest warrant and continue hearings in the ongoing investigation, which has placed Senegal’s media and financial sectors under intense scrutiny.
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