Several suspects, including television host Pape Cheikh Diallo and artist Djiby Dramé, were placed in pretrial detention on Monday after appearing before the investigating judge at the Pikine–Guédiawaye High Court, in line with the public prosecutor’s requisitions in a paedophile gang case.
The investigating judge of the first chamber retained several serious charges against the accused, including criminal conspiracy, endangering the lives of others, alleged intentional transmission of HIV, and money laundering. The prosecution has introduced the latter charge during the proceedings.
According to judicial sources cited by local media, the suspects spent their first night in custody after the judge ordered their remand pending further investigations.
The case began on 4 February with the arrest of Pape Salif Rall Thiam by the Keur Massar gendarmerie research brigade. Investigators reportedly analysed a mobile phone seized during the operation, which allegedly revealed the existence of several groups and online platforms suspected of organising sexual encounters operating between Senegal and France.
Prosecutor Saliou Dicko subsequently expanded the scope of the case during preliminary proceedings and requested remand warrants for all the accused.
Those placed in detention include Pape Cheikh Diallo, Djiby Dramé, Ibrahima Camara, Adama Diallo, Mansour Bassirou Baldé, Mamadou Gning, Sana Ba, Bachir Ka, Bekaye Faye, Bekaye Ndiaye, Doudou Lamine Dieng, and Cheikh Ahmadou Tidiane Diallo.
During the preliminary investigation, the suspects were initially prosecuted for criminal conspiracy, acts against nature, alleged intentional HIV transmission through unprotected sexual relations, and endangering the lives of others.
The investigating judge followed the prosecution’s submissions and formally opened a judicial inquiry. The suspects remain in custody pending further proceedings, while investigators continue efforts to determine the individual responsibilities of each accused. Further arrests have not been ruled out, according to media reports.
