Public Announcement
Fraud Scam Phishing Caution Deception Concept
This statement is prompted by attempts of online fraud that were experienced firsthand by SAAKYS TRUST LTD.
The purpose of this publication is to remind and warn other companies about the need to remain vigilant and to demand compliance with legal and ethical standards when dealing with new partners, especially those outside their own country.
SAAKYS TRUST LTD does not claim to represent an objective judgment like that of judicial or investigative bodies but instead expresses a purely personal position in the interest of the business community.
SAAKYS TRUST LTD considers it its duty to protect its esteemed clients, partners, and the general public by sharing information about a fraudulent incident that took place in 2024, involving individuals who used the name “Marvelous Benin” under the guise of entering into a wine trade deal.
These individuals were aware that SAAKYS TRUST LTD had an existing distributor relationship with a wine producer in Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, bypassing SAAKYS TRUST LTD, they approached the Azerbaijani producer under the name of “Marvelous Benin”, proposing to work directly with them—circumventing SAAKYS TRUST LTD.
Later, SAAKYS TRUST LTD received a request from “Marvelous Benin”, specifically from Dr. Desire Johnson, President, expressing interest in signing a contract—but under the condition that six types of wine samples be provided in advance. This is confirmed by the following correspondence:
As a result, SAAKYS TRUST LTD sent 30 bottles of wine (0.7 liters each) in two separate shipments. Receipt of the samples was acknowledged in written messages from Benin, with thanks and confirmation that the wine was of high quality. Specifically:
Instead of reimbursing SAAKYS TRUST LTD for the expenses associated with the samples, these individuals, citing the Central Bank of Nigeria, directed SAAKYS TRUST LTD to “pursue” legalization procedures in Nigeria.
In addition, they sent a copy of a payment order allegedly confirming the transfer of 80% of the contract amount ($226,782.72) to SAAKYS TRUST LTD. No money was ever received from Benin.
SAAKYS TRUST LTD officially contacted the presumed representative of “Marvelous Benin”, Dr. Emery, with a demand to reimburse the incurred expenses. No response was received.
Following these demands from SAAKYS TRUST LTD, the so-called “buyers,” who had presented themselves as representatives of “Marvelous Benin”, avoided further communication, which ultimately confirmed their fraudulent intentions.
In light of the above, SAAKYS TRUST LTD encourages companies not to hesitate to:
- conduct thorough background checks on new clients and partners;
- pay close attention to suspicious requests.
- report such cases to law enforcement authorities and share information within the business community.
Together, we can stand against fraud and protect the reputation of African businesses in international trade!
