While the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is currently being held in Morocco, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) is the victim of identity theft in Abidjan. Malicious individuals have managed to impersonate the FIF and steal several pieces of sports equipment from a foreign company.

According to information released by the Platform for Combating Cybercrime (PLCC), individuals successfully impersonated the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) and fabricated a partnership with DTT LTD, a company specializing in the manufacture of sporting goods. Trusting the fraudsters and unaware of the scam, the foreign company agreed to do business with them, believing it was collaborating with the FIF. This well-rehearsed scheme allowed the fraudsters to operate until the equipment was actually delivered.

A carefully orchestrated fake partnership

It all began with online contact between the fraudsters and the company DTT LTD. The individuals presented a four-year partnership proposal, promising increased brand visibility in Ivory Coast through the activities of the Ivorian Football Federation. According to them, Ivory Coast's title as African champions influenced the victim company's decision. Consequently, formal discussions ensued, reinforcing the credibility of the offer.

Convinced it was dealing with an official institution in Côte d'Ivoire, and moreover the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), the company accepted the terms of the collaboration. According to the PLCC (Public Security and Compensation Commission), several batches of sports equipment were then delivered to an individual claiming to be an authorized representative of the FIF, without the authenticity of this identity being questioned at this stage. Yet, it was cybercriminals taking advantage of the peak period of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to commit fraud. But their scheme wouldn't last long.

The suspect was unmasked and arrested.

The scheme was uncovered when DTT LTD realized that no official partnership existed with the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF). Alerted, the governing body of Ivorian football formally denied any collaboration and contacted the Platform for Combating Cybercrime (PLCC), part of the National Cybersecurity Agency of France (ANSSI). The investigation led to the identification and arrest of KJP, presented as the main perpetrator. During questioning, the accused admitted his involvement in this digital fraud, revealing the methods used to impersonate a legal entity.

KJP will now have to answer for the fraudulent use of identification information, forgery and use of forged documents, as well as fraud via an information system, in accordance with Law No. 2013-451 of June 19, 2013, concerning the fight against cybercrime. This case serves as yet another reminder of the need for increased vigilance against new forms of digital fraud.