Senegalese music icon Youssou Ndour has filed an official cybercrime complaint after his identity was fraudulently used on social media to scam unsuspecting internet users out of money.
Fake profiles—mainly on Facebook—have been impersonating the internationally celebrated artist or falsely claiming to be his associates.
These accounts allegedly contacted individuals under the pretense of seeking help for personal emergencies or charitable causes. Many victims, misled by Ndour’s trusted public image, transferred money in response to these deceptive appeals.
The first warnings came from fans and followers who, upon realizing they had been defrauded, alerted the artist’s entourage.
As the reports increased, the extent of the exploitation became clear.
Youssou Ndour initially sought a solution by requesting Meta, Facebook’s parent company, to take down the fake profiles.
Despite multiple attempts and formal reports, the fraudulent accounts continued operating unchecked, heightening the risk to others.
With Meta’s inaction, Ndour turned to legal recourse. His lawyers have since submitted a formal complaint to the Senegalese Cybersecurity Division, prompting the launch of an official investigation.
Authorities are now working to identify the individuals behind the scam, which appears to have cross-border elements and may be part of a larger criminal network.
“The objective is to dismantle these networks and hold the perpetrators accountable,” said a spokesperson from the investigation team.
The case sheds light on the broader issue of digital impersonation, which continues to plague public figures across the globe. It also highlights the challenges of securing effective responses from social media platforms when high-profile names are exploited.
Ndour’s team has urged the public to be cautious and to verify any requests for assistance that appear to come from the singer.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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