Overview
- Police took Sinayogo Sinayoko into custody on Saturday on suspicion of fraud after he promoted paid rituals online that he claimed would secure Mali the trophy.
- He is under cybercrime brigade custody as investigators prepare the case, with officials noting that charlatanism is punishable by law in Mali.
- Local sources and collaborators said he raised more than 22 million CFA francs, roughly $39,000 to $40,000, through social media solicitations.
- Mali’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations—1-0 to Senegal in the quarterfinals on a goal by Iliman Ndiaye—triggered public anger directed at the suspect.
- An angry crowd went to his home after the defeat, and police evacuated him before his detention, according to videographers who worked with him and spoke to media.