Senegalese authorities say they have arrested 14 people and dismantled an alleged paedophile network operating between Senegal and France. According to police, all of those detained are Senegalese nationals and were part of a “transnational” criminal group that has reportedly been active since 2017.
In a statement, police said the suspects are accused of “organised paedophilia, pimping, rape of minors under 15, sodomy, and intentional transmission of HIV/Aids”. Investigators allege the group repeatedly coerced boys into having “unprotected sex” with men many of whom were reportedly HIV-positive and recorded the abuse.
Authorities said four of the suspects acted “on the instructions” of a French national who was arrested in France in April 2025, allegedly receiving money transfers in return. The 14 suspects appeared before a judge on Friday following coordinated searches in several areas of Dakar and in Kaolack, about 200km (124 miles) south-east of the capital.
Police said the raids led to the seizure of items believed to be connected to the alleged crimes. “The DIC [Criminal Investigations Division] carried out a major operation, dismantling a transnational organised criminal group whose members are based primarily between France and Senegal,” the statement said. The operation was conducted in collaboration with French authorities, with a delegation of French officers taking part.
Senegalese police said investigations are ongoing and pledged to continue tracking and dismantling similar criminal networks. A toll-free hotline has also been made available for members of the public to share information related to the case.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
