Record bust of smuggled phones at Hillacondji border

In a decisive move against cross-border fraud, Beninese customs officials have achieved a historic seizure at the Hillacondji checkpoint in the southwest of the country.

On Sunday, July 12, 2026, a coordinated operation led by the Hillacondji Customs Brigade, under the command of Captain Fortuné Allagbé, intercepted a large shipment of illegally imported Android smartphones before they could enter domestic distribution networks. The crackdown resulted in the seizure of 5,574 counterfeit phones, marking one of the most significant busts in recent years.

The success of this operation stems from meticulous intelligence gathering and proactive surveillance by customs teams stationed along the border. This latest enforcement action underscores the Beninese customs administration’s commitment to tightening border controls and dismantling smuggling networks.

Safeguarding the economy with zero tolerance

This landmark seizure aligns with the broader anti-fraud strategy spearheaded by Colonel Raouf Malèhossou Aboudou, Director General of Customs. The initiative reflects intensified inspections at key entry points and a sharper focus on disrupting criminal syndicates operating across the region.

The customs administration’s crackdown targets critical priorities:

• Protecting state revenue by curbing tax evasion linked to illicit imports.
• Ensuring fair competition for legitimate businesses complying with national regulations.
• Preserving formal sector jobs by preventing revenue losses in Benin’s commercial ecosystem.

With this decisive action, Beninese customs reaffirms its role as a bulwark against economic sabotage, reinforcing the integrity of the country’s trade infrastructure.