An aborted escape attempt
Ilza Mazanek, the main manager of Transcon, was arrested last Thursday while trying to flee Senegal by land. Seeking to avoid Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD), he headed towards the Diama border post, on the border with Mauritania. But what he did not know was that Customs Investigations, in close collaboration with the police, had expressed opposition to his exit from the territory.
This arrest follows several days of investigation carried out by the formidable Customs Investigations. Mazanek was ordered to provide supporting documents relating to the activities of his company, which managed billions under the PRAS. However, instead of cooperating, he chose to flee, thus increasing suspicion against him and his company.
Questionable transactions worth 70 billion
As Libération reveals, customs officers uncovered suspicious transactions valued at 70 billion FCFA in Transcon’s accounts. Financial movements deemed “questionable” by investigators. In addition to these anomalies, the company is also accused of undeclared imports and foreign exchange violations. The penalties imposed by Senegalese Customs already amount to 20 billion FCFA, a colossal sum which adds to the burden on the Czech company.
A major project tarnished by scandal
The PRAS, which aims to modernize Senegal’s regional airport infrastructure, was seen as a strategic lever to boost the economy and open up the regions. But this scandal calls into question transparency in the award and execution of public contracts.
The opaque management of funds and suspicions of embezzlement cast a shadow on the credibility of Transcon and on the overall process of implementing this major project.
A case in the hands of the financial prosecutor’s office
Following his arrest, Ilza Mazanek was brought back to Dakar where he was presented this Tuesday before the financial prosecutor’s office. He will face charges of imports without declaration and foreign exchange violations, charges which could lead to more serious prosecutions as investigations continue.
While the affair continues to make a lot of noise, public opinion remains suspended on the progress of the investigations. But one thing is certain: this scandal is a hard blow for Senegal’s aeronautical ambitions and for transparency in the management of public projects.
