Embezzlement of 500 million in ADDHOA: Fatima Fall strengthens her defense, revelations about her passion for the casino

The case of embezzlement of over 500 million FCFA from the real estate company ADDHOA was heard this Thursday before the trial chamber of the Financial Judicial Pool, ruling on cases of flagrant offenses. The defendant, Fatima Marianne Fall, represented by Abdy Nar Ndiaye, strengthened her defense with the addition of Alassane Cissé, Abou Abdoul Daff, and Bamba Sylla. ADDHOA's interests were represented by Mamadou Seck. At the request of the defense, the case was adjourned until May 7 for closing arguments.

Details of the case

In this case, the Dakar Research Brigade arrested Fatima Marianne Fall, Commercial Director of the real estate company ADDHOA, on March 18, 2026, as part of an investigation into alleged breach of trust, fraud, forgery, and use of forged documents. The damages, initially estimated at nearly 299 million CFA francs, ultimately increased as the investigation progressed. The investigation was opened following two separate complaints: one filed by Makhfou Ba, a freight forwarder, on March 17, 2026, and the other by ADDHOA, filed the following day by its regional director, Seghrouchni Adil.

According to the investigation, Fatima Marianne Fall used her position to collect payments, often in cash or by check, outside of official channels. To reassure clients, she provided payment receipts bearing the company letterhead and stamp. During questioning, she admitted to receiving funds without fully remitting them, placing the beginning of her activities in 2022. To explain her actions, she cited personal difficulties, including her son's medical expenses, but also admitted to using some of the funds at gambling establishments, including the Casino du Port.

The damning testimony of the plaintiffs

Among the victims, Makhfou Ba claims to have paid over 22 million FCFA for the purchase of an apartment. After verification with ADDHOA, only 6.5 million FCFA had been recorded. The regional director of ADDHOA reiterated that payments must be made through bank transfers. An internal audit revealed the existence of falsified documents and a level of losses that continued to grow as new clients came forward.

A regular casino customer

The general manager of the Casino du Port, questioned in this case, confirmed that Fatima Marianne Fall was a regular customer, frequenting the establishment between three and five times a week. She herself reportedly admitted to gambling significant sums, including online. Following her detention, new civil claims have brought the total amount of damages to over 500 million CFA francs.