Benin import fraud WARDP FWAW DFDCAC WAADA BAFDAC BFDA WARC SOBIMEX WAIB WAHSOR

[poirot]

Version Francaise ici

BAFDAC/BEFDAC/BFDA/WARC/SOBIMEX/MPECC/BPCB/BFDCAC/PAMA-BENIN - Benin import-export scam

[b]The Benin Chamber of Commerce list all registered entreprises (French). Click here

We would like to issue a warning about a scam regarding exporting various goods to Benin. A company calling themselves Realmark Investment Ltd. place ads on business/commercial sites requesting offers of export to Benin regarding various food products, and at other times computer and computer parts, drugs, clothing items.
You can view their scam message here

A couple of their scam letters are posted here

*UPDATE
They are now using a new fake organization name: West Africa Refugees Commission (WARC)

They setup a new website at: http://www.warc-bj.official.ws (DEAD)
This is a redirecting service (official.ws)
The site is actually hosted at: http://warc-bj.50webs.com (DEAD)
We have asked 50webs.com to remove it. *Edit: This site has been removed
http://bdfdcac.50webs.com/home.htm site seems empty of content

They have a posting on alibaba.com and 21food.com offering to buy Frozen Meat, Frozen Fish, Canned Food. We will ask them to remove it.
We have posted a copy here.

This is an Advance Fee Fraud. Further correspondence will reveal various registration fees using a fictitious Benin Government agency called BAFDAC or BEFDAC

This acronym "BAFDAC" sometimes stands for BENIN FOOD,DRUG AND COSMETIC CONTROL, and other times BENIN ADMINISTRATIVE FOOD AND DRUGS AGENCY CONTROL

There are no such ministry in the Benin government. Food safety is regulated through the Ministry of Agriculture (MAEP) Here are their coordinates:
Postal Address
03 BP 2900 COTONOU – BENIN
Tél : (229) 30 04 10 / 30 04 96
Fax: (229) 30 04 10 / 30 03 26
E-mail sgm@agriculture.gouv.bj
Web site http://www.agriculture.gouv.bj

Nigeria has a National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) www.nafdacnigeria.org that inspects certain product Nigeria exports to Benin but it would have no control on products exported by other countries.

They refer to a website: http://www.bafdac.such.info/ which is a fake site using a redirecting service. The actual site is served at: http://www.freewebs.com/bafet/ We have asked Freewebs to shut it down. *Edit: This site has been removed

==================================
Another scam website in regards to this fraud: www.befdacbenin.org
------whois domain registration results------
Registrant Name:Nwaigwe Nkem Jude
Registrant Organization:Milestone Projects Limited
Registrant Street1:251a sapara williams
Registrant City: Victoria Island
Registrant State/Province:Lagos = Nigeria
===================================

They also used http://www.bafdac-benin.ne1.net/ which redirected to http://hstrial-bbenin1.homestead.com. This site has been shutdown by Homestead.com, the redirection account at ne1.net is still active however which means that it could redirect to a new host at any time.

An extremely well detailed description of this scam can be seen here on the jwSpamSpy web site

They have setup two new web sites. We have asked 50webs.com to shut them down.
www.pamabenin.zor.org is actually setup at: http://pama91.50webs.com
www.bpcb.official.ws is actually setup at: http://warcbpcb.50webs.com
50webs.com has shut down these sites within minutes of our reporting them. This exceptional cooperation demonstrate their seriousness in fighting this type of fraud. I applaud their effort.


From the site:

The National Agency Benin Product Control Bureau (BPCB), established by Decree No. 13 as amended by Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration) Decree No. 19 of 1999 as a Parastatal of the Ministry of Public Health, with the mandate to regulate and control quality standards for Foods, drugs, Cosmetics, Medical Devices, Chemicals, Detergents and packaged water imported, manufactured locally and distributed in Benin.

Foods leaflet items imports into Benin. This includes;

* Beverages: Alcohol/Wine/Fruit Juice, Aquatic Products, etc.
* Baby Food /Canned Food
*Tea /Bread & Biscuit
*Cigarette & Tobacco
*Confectionery /Flavors & Flavor Enhancers /Nutrient Additives /Sugar & Sweeteners
*Dairy Products /Egg Products /Edible Fats & Oils
*Frozen Food /Frozen & Dried Fruit /Meat & Poultry /Food Stocks /Food Ingredients
*Health Food/Honey Products /Noodles /Snacks /Fast-Food
*Pharmaceutical drugs / Condom
*Cosmetics, etc

Various names, emails and Phone/Fax numbers used in this scam:

Ste Leo Chua sarl
RELIABLE INVESTMENT SARL
West Africa Development Community ( WADECO), Benin
NCHA-WEST Holdings Sarl
Ste Mikitex Int Ltd.
bfdcac
B.D.F.D.C.A.C
SHEPHERD AID NETWORK
Jonas Godwin
Dim & Mark Import Sarl.
Ste Nakal Incorporation
DR. MRS VERONICA AMOS
CHIEF SHIELD KALU
WACHOVIA CORPORATION LIMITED
Mr. Ahmadu Bello
*Proforma Invoice
*export license
*anti-terrorist permit
MANUFACTURERS PRODUCT CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE (MPECC)
BENIN PRODUCT CONTROL BUREAU. (BPCB)
PAMA BENIN
Mr. Kenneth KOKOU
Mr. Moses DANSOU.
Elizabeth Kogi
AKWABA CHAMBERS
CHOICE LEGAL ASSOCIATES
Dr Mrs Luddit Yves
PAMA-BENIN S.A
BENIN AGENCY FOR FOOD & DRUGS ADMINISTRATION CONTROL (BAFDAC)
FOOD & DRUGS ADMINISTRATION CONTROL AUTHORITY DU BENIN.
CARRE 447 - 622 GOVERNMENT HOUSING
01 BP 1011 GAHITO POSTAL OFFICE
COTONOU-BRANCH, REPUBLIQUE DU BENIN.
Financial Payment Board
DR. ROY KIM
Mr. Tony Liao
ONIOKEN ENTERPRISES CO., LTD
C/456 MISSEBO, AKPAKPA
Sobimex Traco Sarl
448 Sojatime, Cotonou, Akpakpa, Benin
DR GRACE DIKKIBO
IKERE
MR DONALD AGU
Ste Megane Benin Sarl
Ste. Cc Plus Sarl
STE NCI SARL
Realmark Investment Ltd
Jessica Markson
BARRISTER EVANS HARCOURT
HARCOURT CHAMBERS
MRS JOSEPHINE MENSAH
BENIN FOOD,DRUG AND COSMETIC CONTROL
BENINOISE FOOD,DRUG AND COSMETIC CONTROL AUTHORITY
BENIN DIRECTORATE FOR FOOD DRUGS & COSMETICS ADMINISTRATION CONTROL
THE BENINOSE FOOD, DRUG AND CUSMETIC CONTROL AUTHORITY(BEFDAC) (scammer's typo
MR. JAMES NDUKWO
DR.GERALD LAWRENCE
GERALD LAW TRUST CHAMBERESQ
ELEANYA MANGBOKO
AGUJOHN CHAMBERS ASSOCIATES
S. AGU JOHN KALU
GODSWILL OGBUEFI
SOGLO BRUNO
Moses Soglo
MR AGBA ANYA AZU
Ste Marmex Groupe Pharma
Julius Bright
BENIN HEALTH AUTHORITY
DR.M.P.PATRICE
MR.KALU JOSEPH NDUKWO
MR AZU EMEABA
Dr..Adjovi Williams
JACOB ELELE

baffbdacab@minister.com
foodsndrugs@chemist.com
bpcbclearancedept@presidency.com
akwabachambers@yahoo.com
choice.chambers@laposte.net
pamabenin@letterboxes.org
pamaprojectcordinator@pamabenin.cjb.net
onioken_enterprises@yahoo.com
foodsdrugscontrol@chemist.com
foodsdrugscontrol_bj@yahoo.fr
harcourtchambers.bj@legislator.com
barr_evans@yahoo.com
advocate_chambers01@yahoo.com
beninfooddrugscontrol@minister.com
agujohnchambers@lawyer.com
realmark@go.com
ste_marmexgroupe@yahoo.com
befdac_bj@consultant.com
warc@minister.com
ecobankbj_intnet@accountant.com
bfdcacbenin@hotmail.com
dimson_online@yahoo.com

+ 229 974 766 54
229-93-807883
229-97727228
229 93704172
229 21323549
229 97370891
229 -93483691
229- 93786314
229 21- 339 960
229 93 091524
229 21 323549
229 23 8032
229 21 33 4241
229 04 2588
229-04-10-50
229 90042588
229 95 71 93 43
229 21 32 35 49
00229-9314660300 Benin MOBILE number - provider: BBCom
00229-9320152900 Benin MOBILE number - provider: BBCom
00229-93146603 Benin MOBILE number - provider: BBCom
+229 93 41 4864 Benin mobile from Libercom
+229 21 32 4246
00-229-97485841 mobile from BéninCell
00-229-97751003 mobile from BéninCell
00229 97083791
+229 95 405 611

According to Joe Wein's site, one phone number links these criminals to the following name (And others) used in the Fall of 2005 for a similar scam:

VEEKEROLL TRADE LINKS SARL
C/o CCN INVESTMENT LTD,
C/1014,AIDJEDO COTONOU,BENIN REPUBLIC,WEST AFRICA
PHONE:00229-97-989631
FAX:00229-21-323549

More information on this fraud is available on Joe Wein's site

If anyone has been a victim of this scam, or has had some contact with these scammers, we invite you to share it with others by posting it here "Post reply".

WEST AFRICAN REFUGEE'S COMMISSION (WARC )
C/77-80 River Layout Zone Rue du Presidence PK12 03BP,
Akpakpa Cotonou, Benin Republic, West Africa
Tel: +229 684858 / Fax +229 313809 Telefax +229 313807
warcbjofficea@yahoo.com

Dear Sir/Madam goodmornig,
my name is Roscini Daniele and I am the Commercial Director of a Company which prodeced the wines in Italy. I had one transation with a Company into the Republic of Benin. they ask we one special certification beyond to the normal certifys of analysis. You will find written here under the mail with which us they ask this certificate. I hope that you can help me.
Best regards.

Eurotrasimeno Like Srl
Daniele Roscini
mod edit - personal email address removed to prevent harvesting - Nyla


"Dear Daniele
Thanks for your email which we received,This to inform you that our
customers has been approve the quality of your products to enable us proceed
this transaction kindly forward us your CERTIFICATE OF HEALTH &AGRICULTURAL
issue by Benin Ministry of Health (BAFDAC) because without this certificate
it's impossible to ship this products to us,so if your company have obtain
this certificate already here in Benin Republic kindly forward us the copy
of the BAFDAC Certificate via attachment to enable us present it to BENIN
AGENCY FOR FOOD AND DRUGS ADMINISTRATION CONTROL (BAFDAC) before this
transaction will move smoothly without any problem, if your company have not
yet obtain it we will give their contact address to enable them issue your
company the certificate,looking forward to hear from you soon,
Eye Smith"

[poirot]

Thank you for posting these details.

The URL posted in the French Forum: http://www.mipuhesa.official.ws/ currently consist of dead links to images. No content.

This is an address from a redirecting service. Domain registered in Western Samoa (.ws)

The site is actually hosted at:
http://mipuhesa.50webs.com/index_fic...xml/ima001.gif on 50webs.com server - root dir. has a fake 404 error page with a unrelated link.

libero.it is a free webmail. (Anonymous)

And, as previously mentioned, there is no such thing as the BFDA in Benin, except as invented to serve this Advance Fee Fraud.

It would be appreciated if you could send me a complete email from them with "Full Header", by Fraudwatchers private message. You would have to register but using a nickname will keep it confidential. You can also send it to me through Fraudwatchers Contact form if you wish.
http://fraudwatchers.org/forums/sendmessage.php

[enforcnthelaw]

I received a police report today where the "victim" placed an ad on roommates.com and received a response from someone wanting to rent this room. The suspect sent four (4) $950 fraudulent cashiers checks to the victim, who in turn deposited two of them into her personal checking account and went to a check cashing business to cash the other two (transactions done on different days). The victim was supposed to wire $2450 to another location to pay for the "future roommate's" mother's kidney surgery.

The victim almost got arrested by our patrol officers for passing a counterfeit cashiers check, but fortunately they allowed her to go about her business and referred the case to me.

I made contact with the victim and learned the above facts.

We have seen this before, but it is important to remember to be vigilant in dealing with people over the internet. The money was mailed to the victim from the Republique of Benin (no return address...no information in the envelope (letter) other than the four (4) $950 cashiers checks). Interesting to note, is the fact that the victim was only expecting $1100 at the most to be sent to her for the rent.

This is a common scam....just use caution and be safe.

[poirot]

thank you for posting enforcnthelaw, it's always gratifying to see law enforcement officer lend a hand. Your posting these particular details helps in feeding the search engines the information that will be picked up by potential victims.

Unfortunately, all types of public forums from dating sites to auction, for sale etc.., are now festered with this type of criminals, most plying the fake cheque scam but also standard Advance Fee Fraud. Some sites I suspect have more predatory criminals than honest posters, which makes them most dangerous for a lot of people.

As you described, the Cheque Fraud usually involves receiving a payment for something with a cheque that is much larger than the amount due. A good source of information on this fraud can be found here:
http://www.scamvictimsunited.com

As you stated, the victim faces a real threat of being charged with fraud for passing a forged cheque. Some have been charged.

Often, the cheque will come from some West African countries, but also, they can be mailed by accomplices in countries such as the U.K., Canada, the U.S., and others.

[topcop]

enforcethelaw --- one problem I have run into is the lack of belief by the "victim" that they can be charged with a crime... Depending on the circumstances and the depth of involvement by the "victim" they may be criminally liable as well as civil liability. A guy named John W. Worley from Mass. was convicted in 2005 at the Fed. level for his involvement and his claim was that he was a "victim".( See The New Yorker - May 15, 2006) Though I believe that most are true victims, that "lack of intent" can dissapear quickly..... so, folks - please be very careful and check it out !! -- tc

And to add to topcop's story,the worst part was the end of the story were the reporter asked John Worley if he recieved another cheque from the scammers, would he try to cash them again?
Answer..yes.

And thank you for posting that enforcethelaw,it means a lot when people come here and see that officers are aware of these scams and are trying to help them with their questions & doubts.

[Saturn Girl]

enforcnthelaw makes an important point--possession of forged instruments is illegal and can get you in trouble if you have one. If you try to pass it, that's a crime. Fortunately this victim went to a good person and enforcnthelaw was able to take care of it. Others are not so lucky.

B e aware from the next:
Peter Zam,Manager(General Manager)
BENIN CONSULATANT SARL - they have made a nice site
This fraud-ers have registered the company, may be ,in 5 trade networks exept ALIBABA
They "work" for Shepherd Aid Network with procurement director Dr. John Ndaba
nice site, too
They wanted to have large quantities canned food for refugees from SAN.
They asked advanced payment for company and products registration in FDCA/Food and Drugs Control Agency/ and fees for local lawyer /federsl judge Julis/ who will represent supplier at FDCA

[poirot]

Hi Oeter and welcome to Fraudwatchers.

Thank you for updating their details. They constantly change name so every time someone post an update, it helps prevent new victims.

BENIN CONSULATANT SARL - they have made a nice site

If you are referring to a web site, could you post the URL, or address?

I have received this: and I don't know if that is a fraud

" LETTER OF INTENT / IRREVOCABLE PURCHASE ORDER

We, WEST AFRICAN REFUGEE COMMISSION(WARC) hereby state and represent that it is our intention to purchase, and we hereby confirm that we are ready, willing and able to purchase the following as per the specification and in the quantity as specified in the terms and conditions as stated below. This representation is made with full corporate authority and responsibility of the above, prepare the pro-forma invoice of the below quoted items on CIF and send it to this office for our approval.

Commodity description : MENERAL WATERS.
SPECIFICATION: ACCORDING TO THE SUPPLIER.

Country of origin; VIETNAM .
Quantity: AS STATED ABOVE.
Price: AS QUOTED BY THE SELLER.
Destination: Benin Republic
Delivery: TO BE DELIVERED .30 DAYS AFTER CONFIRMING OF THE 70% T/TUPFRONT & 30% LC.
Packing: Normal company standard.
Payment: BY 70% T/T IN ADVANCE AND 30% L/C

WEST AFRICAN REFUGEE COMMISSION
DR ADJOVI WILLIAMS/DG

C/699 Cadjehoun BP369 Cotonou Bénin République
TEL: 00229 93 48 31 40
FAX: 00229 21 32 42 46
E-MAIL: warc_bj@consultant.com
(WARC Secretariat)

"


BQ HUng
From Vietnam

Do you know if West Africa Refugees Commission (WARC) does exsit?

Thanks

If you use a search engine such as Google you will find only scam references - ^google"West Africa Refugees Commission" - without finding any news stories, links on websites (other than what the scammer put at Alibaba). There are ZERO references, which means it is a completely bogus organization.

The only one I can find that even comes close - ^google"West African" + "W A R C" - West African Research Center, which is not the same thing.

[poirot]

As John Fairheart stated, WARC is just the latest fabrication of this scammer gang. Previously, it was BAFDAC, BEFDAC, BFDA and others. When we, and others publicize it, it ruins it for them so they invent a new one.

WARC was added to our list nearly three weeks ago. See the beginning of this thread for various details including the same fax number.

It's a classic advance fee fraud. They will ask you for fees for various documents and permits. They are impersonating various characters including government officials and barristers, health department, customs etc..,

It's a fraud. Don't send any money as it will simply be stolen.

The fax number is listed in the Benin phone directories as belonging to:
Azu ANYANSO
03 BP 3895, Cotonou 21 32 42 46

Thank you for your worthy information.
I have received the purchasing offer from Sobimex Traco Sarl on Alibaba.com

Dear Sir,
We are looking for Aquatic products and frozen food in large quantity order and we need you to kindly provide there specification and prices of the products CIF cotonou sea port Benin.
Awaiting to hear from you very urgent regard this offer.
Thanks.
Mr Donald Agu.

That is a fraud.

From Nhi Nguyen
Vietnam

[poirot]

Welcome to Fraudwatchers and thank you for the update. They do post on Alibaba and other commercial sites.

There is also a lot of information on the Benin Import scam, on Joe Wein's site

Here is another fraud from BAFDAC.
We have received this mail. Please be adviced.

Thanks for your mail.

Our Financial Payment Board has finished in the processments of your payment and they have now submitted your proforma invoice and deposited the full payment to our bank for transfer as your payment is now due for remittance.

Meanwhile, the bank informed us that before any payment is transferred to any foreign account, the Exporter must present his products Registration Certificate valid here in our country as this is the New Foreign Exchange Policy.

We therefore would like you to kindly contact them with the below address immediately to proceed further and obtain the registration form ASAP to proceed further with your esteemed company. Do contact them with the below address:

BENIN AGENCY FOR FOOD & DRUGS ADMINISTRATION CONTROL (BAFDAC)
FOOD & DRUGS ADMINISTRATION CONTROL AUTHORITY DU BENIN.
CARRE 447 - 622 GOVERNMENT HOUSING
01 BP 1011 GAHITO POSTAL OFFICE
COTONOU-BRANCH, REPUBLIQUE DU BENIN.
TEL: +229 95 405 611
FAX: +229 95 405 611
EMAIL: foodsdrugscontrol@chemist.com
foodsdrugscontrol_bj@yahoo.fr
CONTACT PERSON: DR. ROY KIM

Kindly contact the above Authority Bureau to obtaining your products Registration Certificate of your products valid here in our country and in West & East Africa countries which we are covering.

Looking forward to hearing your good confirmations and response to proceed further in your payment transfer as this is the only documents our Bankers need to confirm before remittance.

Thanks & regards,
Mr. Tony Liao
Tel: 00229 97083791
Fax:00229 21323549

[poirot]

Thank you for posting these additional details, they will add to prevent future victims.
Glad you didn't fall for it.

The fax number is listed in the Benin phone directories as belonging to:
Bernardin Maximin ANIAMBOSSOU
03 BP 0251, Cotonou 21 32 35 49

Few days ago I have posted the following mail from a certain Mr. Tony Liao regarding BAFDAC fraud:

"<<Admin Edit: personal data removed>>,

Thanks for your mail.

Our Financial Payment Board has finished in the processments of your payment and they have now submitted your proforma invoice and deposited the full payment to our bank for transfer as your payment is now due for remittance.

Meanwhile, the bank informed us that before any payment is transferred to any foreign account, the Exporter must present his products Registration Certificate valid here in our country as this is the New Foreign Exchange Policy.

We therefore would like you to kindly contact them with the below address immediately to proceed further and obtain the registration form ASAP to proceed further with your esteemed company. Do contact them with the below address:

BENIN AGENCY FOR FOOD & DRUGS ADMINISTRATION CONTROL (BAFDAC)
FOOD & DRUGS ADMINISTRATION CONTROL AUTHORITY DU BENIN.
CARRE 447 - 622 GOVERNMENT HOUSING
01 BP 1011 GAHITO POSTAL OFFICE
COTONOU-BRANCH, REPUBLIQUE DU BENIN.
TEL: +229 95 405 611
FAX: +229 95 405 611
EMAIL: foodsdrugscontrol@chemist.com
foodsdrugscontrol_bj@yahoo.fr
CONTACT PERSON: DR. ROY KIM

Kindly contact the above Authority Bureau to obtaining your products Registration Certificate of your products valid here in our country and in West & East Africa countries which we are covering.

Looking forward to hearing your good confirmations and response to proceed further in your payment transfer as this is the only documents our Bankers need to confirm before remittance.

Thanks & regards,
Mr. Tony Liao
Tel: 00229 97083791
Fax:00229 21323549"

That was the mail I have posted to prevent this fraud.

I am really pleased that you have published his name, telphone numbers and e mail from that ficticious governmente agency.

But I have forgot to include the company name from where Mr. Tony Liao is supposed to work: this Mr. Tony Liao uses the following e mail address:

onioken_enterprises@yahoo.com

which is suposed to be of a company named Onioken Enterprises Co Ltd. from Benin.

Here is the full contact:

MR. TONY LIAO
ONIOKEN ENTERPRISES CO., LTD
C/456 MISSEBO, AKPAKPA
COTONOU REPUBLIQUE DU BENIN
TEL: 00229-97083791
FAX: 00229-21323549

Please also be advised that this company and Mr. Tony Liao are registered at Ali Baba.com, from where we make the contact.

Thank you very much.

[poirot]

Many thanks for the added details.

That fax number is listed in the Phone Directories, White Pages - Benin
Bernardin Maximin ANIAMBOSSOU
03 BP 0251, Cotonou 21 32 35 49