Czech Chamber of Commerce official accused of CZK 2.5 billion fraud in Senegal

Senegalese authorities have accused Ilja Mazánek, chairman of the foreign section of the Czech Chamber of Commerce, of causing damages worth CZK 2.5 billion.

Mazánek, detained in Senegal in late November, is under investigation for alleged fraudulent practices related to his company, Transcon, which secured a 2019 contract to upgrade five regional airports in Senegal.

Transcon and Mazánek have been charged with illegal financial transfers abroad and unauthorized importation of materials. The alleged damages amount to EUR 100 million, Transcon CEO Vladimír Drábek said at a press conference in Prague on Thursday.

The company denies any wrongdoing, has called for Mazánek's release, and announced it has suspended reconstruction work on two Senegalese airports.