A large-scale fraud scheme involving fake bank slips has been uncovered at the Faculty of Letters of the University of Bangui, casting a shadow over the institution's administrative integrity. This vast system of fake bank slips, specifically at the Faculty of Letters, has led to allegations that students were coerced into paying a penalty fee for falsified registration documents. Harol Beranger Toufeina, an anthropology student and a key figure in the unfolding scandal, reportedly required students to pay a 15,000 CFA franc penalty in cash. This sum was allegedly demanded for students whose registration documents were deemed problematic or incomplete.
Toufeina then allegedly fabricated counterfeit payment slips using a fake BGFI bank stamp, which were subsequently used to finalize student registrations. These falsified slips were key to the operation, as they provided a seemingly legitimate paper trail for the illicit payments. The head of the registration service, whose vigilance proved critical, discovered the fraud after noticing inconsistencies in the stamps present on student dossiers. The discrepancies in the stamps used on student documents immediately raised suspicions. Verification with the BGFI bank confirmed that the stamps on these slips were not official, definitively exposing the illicit operation and the fraudulent nature of the documents.
Allegations of Widespread Corruption
Harol Beranger Toufeina, the central figure in the alleged fraud, reportedly does not hold an official paid position at the University of Bangui, raising questions about his influence and access within the institution. Nevertheless, he is said to own five motorcycles operating as taxis and a 600-liter freezer, according to claims circulating within the university community. These assets, acquired without an official university salary, have further fueled suspicions regarding the source of his income and his involvement in illicit activities.
Further allegations suggest a broader pattern of corruption that extends beyond the registration scheme. Students have reported systematic confiscation of their mobile phones during examinations, with the devices allegedly returned only after payment of a fee ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 CFA francs. This practice, if proven, indicates potential extortion practices extending beyond the registration fraud, suggesting a culture of illicit fees for basic student services. These claims paint a picture of an environment where students are regularly subjected to demands for unofficial payments.
Mr. Toufeina also faces accusations of fabricating academic documents, further noting the depth of the alleged malpractice. One specific allegation states that he created fake grade reports for a student identified as Johan, enabling the student to advance to a higher academic level without completing the required examinations. This serious accusation points to a potential subversion of academic standards and integrity. Additionally, donated office supplies intended for the university, provided by Priska Mamadou, were reportedly resold by Mr. Toufeina. This alleged diversion of donated resources for personal gain further shows the full nature of the accusations against him.
History of Suspect Dealings
The ongoing investigation into alleged fraud at the University of Bangui has brought to light a history of reported complicity and mismanagement involving Harol Beranger Toufeina and Dean Jean-Claude Azoumaye, dating back to May 2025. This historical context suggests a pattern of questionable conduct preceding the current fraud allegations, indicating that the recent discoveries may be part of a larger, long-standing issue. The article alleges a history of complicity and mismanagement involving Toufeina and Dean Azoumaye, suggesting a systemic problem rather than an isolated incident.
In May 2025, the Faculty of Letters and Social Sciences experienced significant disruption when the keys to classrooms and administrative offices were reported lost for several days. This incident led to a loss of valuable class time, according to reports from within the university community, causing considerable inconvenience and academic disruption. The prolonged absence of access to facilities raised concerns about administrative oversight and security protocols at the time.
Later, during the absence of the permanent secretary, Harol Beranger Toufeina was reportedly assigned interim duties at the faculty, granting him significant access and responsibility. During this period, funds were observed to have disappeared from the Faculty of Letters and Social Sciences, adding another layer to the allegations of financial impropriety. These past incidents contribute to the allegations of a broader pattern of financial irregularities and administrative failures at the institution, suggesting a deeply entrenched problem that has impacted the university for some time.
Dean's Nephew Vanishes
Harol Beranger Toufeina, an anthropology student at the University of Bangui and a cousin of Dean Jean-Claude Azoumaye, is deeply implicated in the alleged fraud scheme. His familial connection to the Dean has raised additional questions regarding the extent of potential complicity and oversight. His involvement became central to the investigation as details of the fake payment slips emerged and were corroborated. Following the official confirmation of the fraud by the BGFI bank, Mr. Toufeina reportedly disappeared from Bangui. This sudden absence occurred immediately after the fraud was definitively confirmed by the bank, prompting suspicions of an attempt to evade justice. His sudden absence has further complicated the ongoing inquiry into the financial irregularities at the Faculty of Letters, leaving investigators without a key figure to question. The university community remains without clear information regarding his whereabouts since the scandal broke, further intensifying the mystery surrounding the extent of the fraud and the individuals involved. The disappearance of a central figure shows the seriousness of the allegations and the challenges faced by authorities seeking to uncover the full truth.
