CRIET Bénin: Escroquerie en Ligne Accused Faces 5-Year Sentence

• A young man appeared before Bénin's CRIET on September 10, 2026, facing charges of alleged online fraud.
• He admitted giving a false name to police upon arrest but denied the fraud accusations and phone ownership.
• The prosecution presented digital evidence from a phone, including data linked to cybercrime and a WhatsApp photo.
• Prosecutors requested a five-year prison sentence and a two million CFA franc fine for the alleged `escroquerie en ligne`.
• The verdict for the case is scheduled to be delivered on November 12, 2026.

The significant penalties sought by the prosecutor — a five-year prison term and a substantial fine — signal the serious consequences awaiting individuals convicted of `infractions économiques Bénin`, particularly those involving digital platforms.

A young man recently appeared before the Chambre correctionnelle of the Cour de répression des infractions économiques et du terrorisme (CRIET) in Cotonou, facing charges related to alleged online fraud. The hearing, which took place on Thursday, September 10, 2026, focused on accusations of `escroquerie en ligne`, an offense that carries significant penalties under Bénin's legal framework for cybercrime. The Cour de répression des infractions économiques et du terrorisme (CRIET) is a special criminal court in Bénin, established by Law n° 2018-13 of July 2, 2018, and is competent for economic and financial offenses, acts of terrorism, and cybercrime.

The individual was initially apprehended in Cotonou. During his arrest, he attempted to conceal his true identity by providing a false name to the police officers. His identity was subsequently confirmed at the police station following the intervention of his father, who had reportedly been searching for his son, according to information from Libre Express. This initial attempt to mislead authorities was later admitted by the defendant during the court proceedings.

During the CRIET hearing, the defendant acknowledged that he had given a false name to the police. However, he vehemently denied the accusations of `escroquerie en ligne`, specifically rejecting any involvement in online fraud. Furthermore, he contested ownership of a mobile phone found in his possession, asserting that the device had been given to him by a friend.

In response, the public ministry presented its case, relying heavily on digital evidence extracted from the aforementioned phone. This evidence reportedly included data identified as being linked to cybercriminal activities, alongside a WhatsApp profile photograph that prosecutors attributed to the defendant. Based on these findings, the prosecutor requested a severe sentence: five years of imprisonment and a fine amounting to two million CFA francs. The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on November 12, 2026.

This ongoing case before the Cour de répression des infractions économiques et du terrorisme (CRIET) highlights the robust approach taken by Bénin's judicial system against `cybercriminalité Bénin peine`. Bénin has a comprehensive legal framework for cybercrime, notably the Law N°2017-20 of April 20, 2018, known as the "Code du numérique" (Digital Code), which includes penal provisions for cybercrime. Additionally, Bénin authorized its adherence to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and its additional protocols through Law n° 2024-06 on February 1, 2024. The prosecution's reliance on digital forensics, such as phone contents and social media profiles, underscores the evolving methods used to combat online offenses. The significant penalties sought by the prosecutor — a five-year prison term and a substantial fine — signal the serious consequences awaiting individuals convicted of `infractions économiques Bénin`, particularly those involving digital platforms.

The proceedings in Cotonou serve as a clear indicator of the government's commitment to enforcing `droit pénal numérique Bénin`. For legal practitioners specializing in criminal defense, this case emphasizes the critical role of digital evidence in `procès escroquerie en ligne Cotonou` and the need for thorough understanding of how such evidence is presented and challenged. It also reinforces the message that attempts to obstruct justice, such as providing false identities, will be noted and addressed within the judicial process.

This CRIET case underscores the severe penalties, including significant prison sentences and fines, being sought by prosecutors for online fraud in Benin. Lawyers practicing criminal defense in cybercrime must note the prosecution's reliance on digital evidence like phone contents and social media profiles, while compliance officers should be aware of the increasing enforcement against such economic offenses.

Source: Original reporting via Libre Express