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Kaolack, Senegal – A coordinated police operation in the Kaolack region has led to the arrest of three individuals suspected of involvement in a motorcycle theft and resale ring operating across Diourbel, Kaffrine, and Kaolack. The arrests, announced by local authorities on February 11, 2026, follow a complaint filed by a resident of Diourbel regarding the theft of a Jakarta-model motorcycle.
The investigation, spearheaded by the Urban Security Division of the Kaolack Central Police Station, quickly uncovered a network of individuals allegedly involved in the theft, receiving, and sale of stolen motorcycles. Authorities say the initial theft occurred in the early hours of February 11, 2026, when a perpetrator gained access to a family home and stole the motorcycle, along with two mobile phones, a pouch containing 20,000 CFA francs, and the gate keys. This coordinated effort to combat motorcycle theft highlights growing concerns about property crime in the region.
Following the complaint, police located the stolen motorcycle at a residence in the Abattoirs neighborhood of Kaolack, along with three other motorcycles of questionable origin. During the operation, an individual was reportedly caught negotiating the purchase of one of the motorcycles for 230,000 CFA francs. Further investigation revealed a connection between a suspect based in Kaffrine and the receivers operating in Kaolack, indicating a geographically dispersed criminal network.
Network of Thieves and Receivers Uncovered
One of the suspects confessed to acting as a receiver, admitting to purchasing the motorcycle stolen from Diourbel, as well as a blue motorcycle, for 170,000 CFA francs each. Police identified one of the arrested individuals as a repeat offender, previously brought before the court on December 27, 2022, for similar offenses. Authorities are actively searching for a fourth suspect who remains at large.
The recovered motorcycles have been impounded as evidence, and the 230,000 CFA francs obtained from the illicit transaction have been seized. Digital data analysis played a crucial role in identifying the connections between the suspects, confirming the coordinated nature of the operation. The investigation is ongoing, with police working to identify additional victims and dismantle the remaining elements of the network.
Previous Arrests in Kaolack Highlight Broader Crime Trends
This latest operation follows a separate incident earlier in February where three individuals were arrested in Kaolack for alleged involvement in a prostitution and kidnapping ring, according to reports from Ndarinfo.com. That case involved the alleged kidnapping and abuse of a woman, with suspects facing charges of pimping, complicity, and failure to register with the national health and social registry. These two cases, occurring within a short timeframe, suggest a heightened focus on criminal activity in the Kaolack region.
The arrests underscore the challenges faced by Senegalese law enforcement in combating organized crime and property theft. The involvement of individuals across multiple regions highlights the need for continued inter-regional cooperation to effectively disrupt these criminal networks.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding potential links between the motorcycle theft ring and other criminal activities in the area. The investigation remains active, and further arrests are anticipated as police continue to gather evidence and track down the remaining suspect. The focus now shifts to tracing the origins of the stolen motorcycles and identifying any additional individuals involved in the network’s operations.
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