The Tambacounda research unit has struck hard in the fight against document fraud. On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, a major operation dismantled a network specializing in the creation of fake international public freight transport licenses, Seneweb learned from Colonel Ibrahima Ndiaye.

An organized network based in Kidira

This criminal network had established its bases in Kidira, a strategic transit zone located on the border between Senegal and Mali. The location was no accident: this geographical position allowed the criminals to take advantage of the significant flow of transporters passing through this border area.

According to investigations conducted by the gendarmes, the network was largely run by trade unionists from the transport sector, exploiting their knowledge of the environment and their position of influence to carry out their illegal activities.

The investigation revealed the financial scale of this trafficking. Each counterfeit card was sold for 25,000 CFA francs, allowing the network's members to reap significant financial benefits.

Eleven arrests

The operation led by the Tambacounda SR resulted in the arrest of eleven individuals heavily involved in this trafficking. They include eight trade unionists, likely the masterminds of the operation, exploiting their position in the sector, two computer scientists responsible for the technical design of the fake documents, and a driver caught in possession of a fake license. Arrested first, he allegedly revealed the identity of the perpetrators.

The arrested trade unionists and IT professionals are being prosecuted for conspiracy, forgery and use of forged documents, and falsification of an international administrative document. The truck driver is being prosecuted for forgery and use of forged documents.

Following the investigation, the eleven suspects were brought before the Tamba prosecutor's office yesterday, Monday. After being remanded in custody by the prosecutor, they could be tried as early as Wednesday.

The National Gendarmerie reaffirms its determination to combat document fraud in all its forms. It calls on the public to cooperate by reporting any useful information to the free call center at 123 and 800 00 20 20.