The Gendarmerie National of Senegal has issued an official press release responding to recent reports by Seneweb, confirming the arrest of 12 Senegalese nationals in Keur Massar over allegations linked to same-sex relations, criminal conspiracy and the deliberate transmission of HIV.

According to the gendarmerie, the arrests were carried out by the Keur Massar Research Brigade following intelligence about the activities of an individual living with HIV who allegedly continued to engage in same-sex relations while knowingly exposing partners to the virus.

The principal suspect was arrested on 4 February 2026. Medical tests conducted at the request of a qualified health professional reportedly confirmed that the suspect is HIV-positive.

Investigators say the individual admitted to being aware of his status and to having knowingly infected several male partners, whom he allegedly contacted mainly through WhatsApp groups.

The gendarmerie said two additional suspects arrested the same day also acknowledged knowing their HIV-positive status but allegedly continued to engage in unprotected same-sex relations with other men.

Further investigations led to the arrest of five more suspects on 5 February and four others on 6 February, bringing the total number of people in custody to 12.

Following medical screening, authorities said six of those arrested tested positive for HIV, two are awaiting confirmation of their results, and four tested negative.

Same-sex relations remain criminalised in Senegal under the Penal Code, where they are classified as “unnatural acts.”

The gendarmerie said the investigation is continuing with the aim of dismantling the entire alleged same-sex network and establishing individual responsibilities.

The statement was issued as the gendarmerie’s official response to the Seneweb report. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.