Benin: Fraud using Claudine Talon's name before the Criet

A woman says she lost 910,000 CFA francs after being deceived by individuals impersonating former First Lady Claudine Talon on Messenger and promising her financial assistance. The case was heard on November 2, 2026, before the Criet, where prosecutors sought a five-year prison sentence, including four years in custody, and one million CFA francs in damages from the defendant. Evidence presented to the court indicated that he had also allegedly used the identity of current First Lady Nathalie Villette Wadagni in similar schemes. The ruling is expected on December 21, 2026.