CRIET: three Chinese nationals prosecuted for online usurious loans and money laundering

This hearing follows the dismantling, nearly two months earlier, of an international fraudulent credit network by the National Center for Digital Investigations (CNIN), supported by INTERPOL.

The investigation was launched after multiple complaints from citizens who took out loans through mobile applications such as ZeroInquietude, BoltLoan, OuiPret, CreditInstantane, and LePret. These platforms attracted users with promises of quick funding and no administrative hurdles, only to impose abusive interest rates and aggressive recovery methods.

Furthermore, the CNIN revealed that the operators extracted personal data from borrowers’ phones to exert pressure, threats, and harassment on them and their families.

Strengthened Fight Against Digital Financial Crime

Apprehended last June and presented as alleged leaders of this organization, the three defendants are now having their criminal responsibility assessed by the specialized jurisdiction, while enjoying the presumption of innocence.

This case is part of a broader context of heightened vigilance by the Beninese authorities regarding digital financial misconduct. The money laundering aspect will also be central to the discussions, as the National Financial Information Processing Unit (CENTIF) recorded 529 suspicious transaction reports throughout the year 2025.