West Africa: Sangaré Aboubacar Sidiki and Bathily face up to 20 years in prison for swindling FCFA 3.1 billion
The high-profile trial of Sangaré Aboubacar Sidiki and Bathily, accused of fraud, large-scale embezzlement, and money laundering, reached a critical phase as prosecutors demanded unprecedented penalties. The public prosecutor has called for 20-year prison sentences and a 15 billion CFA franc fine (approx. $25 million) against the two defendants, described as masterminds of a sophisticated criminal network.
According to the Republic’s Prosecutor, Sidiki is no minor player but the alleged architect of a far-reaching fraud scheme involving 3.1 billion CFA francs ($5.1 million).
The operation reportedly relied on forged documents, identity theft, and illicit financial transactions.
A surprising twist emerged when the SIB Société ivoirienne de Banque (Ivorian banking company), named in the case, testified it suffered no financial losses and declined to seek damages.
The Ivorian state, meanwhile, requested only 1 CFA franc in symbolic reparations, underscoring the trial’s institutional significance beyond monetary recovery.
The severity of the requested sentences signals the hardening stance of Côte d’Ivoire against economic crimes, amid rising regional concerns over cross-border fraud and money laundering.
Ismael Ganfa
