The incident occurred on 10 September 2026, when two individuals wearing vests bearing the Orange Money logo visited several villages, notably Metet, Mvoutessi, Nsimi, Mfouladja and Meyitsoto in the Dja and Lobo Division of the South Region. They introduced themselves to money-transfer shop owners and local residents as Orange Cameroon agents on a mission to promote the Orange Money service.

After gaining access to their victims’ mobile phones, the suspects allegedly exploited their trust and naivety to empty their accounts. It was only after the suspects had left that the victims realised they had been defrauded. They immediately reported the matter to the SRJ/PRG, which launched an investigation.

The investigation led to the arrest of a first suspect, aged 28, in Mbalmayo. His questioning subsequently led to the arrest of his 29-year-old accomplice. During interrogation, the two alleged fraudsters reportedly confessed to the offences and stated that they had been engaged in similar activities for several years. A search of their homes resulted in the seizure of several Orange SIM cards and other items belonging to the telecommunications company.

According to Lieutenant AKOA MVENG Donald, Head of the Office attached to the Head of the SRJ/PRG, the suspects are repeat offenders and former Orange Cameroon employees who were dismissed for fraud. Posing as Orange Money agents, they allegedly defrauded their victims of more than five million CFA francs during their latest operation.

Their modus operandi involved promising victims that they could convert their standard SIM cards into commercial SIM cards, which, according to the suspects, would enable them to generate higher profits from their transactions.

The alleged fraudsters and impostors were subsequently brought before the Public Prosecutor at the Sangmélima High Court.