Gaoua:Twelve individuals of Beninese nationality were apprehended on October 21 and 22, 2026, by the Djôrô Regional Judicial Police Service in Gaoua. They are accused of creating two fraud networks that operated under the guise of spiritual practices, according to an announcement by Police Captain Theophile Zongo.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the investigation commenced after a complaint from a man on October 21, 2026, who alleged he was defrauded of 185,000 FCFA by people posing as traditional healers. These individuals reportedly demanded an extra 800,000 FCFA, threatening him with death or insanity.

The initial arrests on the evening of October 21 involved three suspects from the first network. Subsequent investigations with local resident assistance led to the identification of a second network in the Tielkan neighborhood, resulting in nine additional arrests on October 22.

The police stated that the groups recruited young individuals from Benin, bringing them to Burkina Faso to solicit people in isolated villages and gold mining sites. They sold rings and amulets as good luck charms for 15,000 to 25,000 FCFA and directed victims to spiritual masters for costly purification rituals. Demands for payment could reach up to 800,000 FCFA, with threats issued to those reluctant to pay.

Captain Zongo noted that the total financial loss remains undetermined, as several victims have yet to report their cases. The investigation continues to uncover potential accomplices.

The suspects are set to appear before the prosecutor of Faso at the High Court of Gaoua. The national police urge the public to report suspicious activities to the numbers 16, 17, and 10-10.