Guinea: pilgrims to Mecca victims of a scam

A woman claiming to be close to the mother of the transitional president promised a trip to Saudi Arabia to 416 people, who fell into the trap of a well-structured scam network in Guinea.

This pilgrimage to Mecca scam has caused a great deal of controversy in the country, as several thousand euros have been cashed in by this lady, who is just one element in this swindle.

The victims were given religious training and even vaccinations. Grouped into a collective, the 416 victims filed a complaint.

The affair took on such proportions that the spokesman for the presidency, General Amara Camara, had to speak out.

“We would like to reassure each and every one of you that we will do our utmost to identify all those responsible and ensure that justice is done,” he promised.

The victims are waiting for the Guinean government to make good on its promises.