A financial scandal of unprecedented scale is currently shaking the Senegalese Automobile Industryhighlighting practices of embezzlement and financial embezzlement. The case, which concerns an astronomical amount of 1.2 billion FCFAled the company’s general management to file a complaint, triggering an investigation led by the financial prosecutor’s office and the Criminal Investigations Division (Dic).
The first arrest in this case concerned Sheikh Ahmadou El Khadim Dienga 42-year-old man, who held the strategic position of assistant to the transit manager. Responsible for depositing checks for payment of customs fees with the Perception-Dakar-Porthe would have failed in his obligations, plunging the company into a critical situation.
The affair broke out after an alert from the Receiver General of the Treasury, reporting payment arrears for the year 2023. Unable to provide the necessary receipts to justify the payments made, Cheikh Ahmadou El Khadim Dieng denied any involvement, even invoking health problems to explain his inability to fully respond to the accusations.
The investigation quickly highlighted other anomalies, going beyond the framework of the year 2023. By examining the accounts for the year 2024, the management of Sénégalaise de l’Automobile discovered similar practices, suggesting that this diversion is the result of a well-functioning system.
The investigation also revealed disturbing facts concerning Cheikh Ahmadou El Khadim Dieng. The latter would have used his personal company, « Logical Transit »to conceal certain transactions. During a search of its premises located at the shopping center « 4C »receipts dating from 2020 were discovered in a suitcase.
Furthermore, it was established that the second wife of the accused approached the Treasury under a false identity to try to obtain a moratorium in favor of the company. This approach raises questions about possible internal and external complicity within the organization.
If Cheikh Ahmadou El Khadim Dieng is so far the main suspect, the authorities do not hide their desire to broaden the investigation. Numerous indications suggest that other people, within or outside the company, could be involved in this embezzlement network.
Investigators are also seeking to understand the exact role of “assets” that the accused would have sometimes deposited at the Perception-Dakar-Port and to trace the financial flows associated with these transactions.
This case highlights the challenges faced by Senegalese companies in terms of management and financial transparency. It also underlines the importance of rigorous control of payment systems and anti-fraud mechanisms.
La Sénégalaise de l’Automobile, a renowned company in the sector, must now face a crisis of confidence. This scandal could have significant repercussions on its image and its operations.
