Melbet’s questionable financial ties across cyprus, Senegal and Russia

An explosive investigation into the online betting platform Melbet has uncovered a complex web of financial irregularities spanning Senegal, Russia, and Cyprus. The case, now under scrutiny by judicial authorities, reveals alleged money laundering schemes, fraudulent contracts, and deceptive marketing tactics designed to lure unsuspecting bettors.

Financial flows and alleged fraudulent practices

The inquiry, led by the Division spéciale de lutte contre la cybercriminalité (DSC), has exposed a pattern of suspicious financial transactions linked to Melbet’s operations in Senegal. Between September and December 2025, payment operator Wave recorded transactions totaling over 29.5 billion FCFA in customer deposits. However, only 23.5 billion FCFA were returned to users, leaving a 6 billion FCFA gap that investigators suspect may be tied to illicit fund retention and money laundering.

Investigators allege that Melbet’s promotional campaigns lured bettors with exaggerated claims of daily winnings, including promises of “millions to be won each day.” These ads, often featuring unauthorized use of institutional logos such as the RTS (Radiodiffusion télévision sénégalaise) and even the likeness of football star Sadio Mané, were widely disseminated on platforms like Facebook and Meta.

To access alleged winnings, users were reportedly required to make small advance payments through unofficial payment channels, including the app Game Sawa, which operates outside the regulatory oversight of the Loterie nationale sénégalaise (Lonase).

International networks and opaque corporate structures

At the center of the investigation is Melbet Limited, a company registered in Cyprus that is currently facing a legal dissolution process, effectively stripping it of any legitimate authority to conduct international business. To bypass this restriction, sources indicate that a network of shell companies—including Vikhrédia Suarl and Batnesto Ltd—was allegedly used to facilitate the platform’s operations.

These entities reportedly operated under contracts for domain name leases that did not confer any official gambling license. The Lonase has maintained a firm stance, denying any contractual ties with Melbet and emphasizing strict compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.

Key suspects and ongoing judicial proceedings

The case has led to multiple arrests and judicial controls against individuals of various nationalities, including:

• Filipp Mikhalin, a Russian national
• Mécapeu Catherine Prisca Droh, an Ivorian national
• Several Senegalese and Moldovan collaborators

Each suspect remains under judicial supervision as the investigation continues to unravel the full extent of the alleged financial misconduct.