CRIET: trial of Achille Chaou, associate of Richard Ouorou, accused of internet fraud
The Court for the Repression of Economic Crimes and Terrorism (CRIET) held a hearing on Monday as part of the trial of Achille Chaou. He is being prosecuted for internet fraud and complicity in false certification, according to the charges brought by the special prosecutor.
SUMMARY
Presented at the bar, Achille Chaou, who is portrayed as a businessman and an associate of the leader of the “The Liberal” party, Richard Boni Ouorou, pleaded not guilty according to Banouto’s report.
Arrested and then placed in custody on May 23, 2025, following the arrest of his political friend, he acknowledged having ties with the latter, without specifying the exact nature of their relationship. “We are in the same group,” he simply stated.
A case with blurred boundaries
According to the investigation materials added to the file, the defendant would call himself “Ambassador”. Data extracted from his mobile phone mentions a proxy signed in the name of a certain Coulibaly Souleymane, as well as various transfer orders and agreements. Faced with these elements, the Court sought to understand their origin and purpose.
When questioned, Achille Chaou denied any involvement, stating: “I have no knowledge of these documents”. His lawyer, Pacôme Koundé, highlighted the absence of authentic signatures on the presented documents, challenging their validity as pieces of evidence.
Moreover, the defendant declared he owns a company based in Abomey-Calavi, where he also resides.
At the end of the hearing, after hearing the parties, the Court decided to adjourn the case until October 6, 2025, for the continuation of the discussions.
Comments