A Senegalese lawmaker, Mouhamadou Ngom, a close ally of former President Macky Sall, has been charged and detained on allegations of money laundering, fraud, and criminal association.
Ngom, known as Farba, who also serves as a mayor, was jailed by a judge from Senegal’s anti-corruption unit. His legal team has denounced the arrest, claiming unlawful procedures.
Prosecutors allege Ngom was involved in sophisticated money laundering schemes using shell companies, with suspicious transactions valued at over 125 billion CFA francs (around 195 million euros).
The lawmaker’s parliamentary immunity was lifted in January, allowing the case to proceed. Dozens of his supporters protested in Dakar, claiming the charges are politically motivated.
The arrest comes as Senegal’s new President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who was elected in March, has pledged to tackle corruption. 1 Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko had previously promised to investigate “widespread corruption” under the previous administration. 2 Several former officials have been charged and imprisoned in recent months.