Minister of Communication Calls for an End to Illegal Financial Practices by Advertising Agencies

In a decisive move, Minister René Sadi issued a stern warning on October 31st to several advertising agencies, serving them a formal notice to promptly cease illegal practices and the unauthorized collection of taxes.

The minister's action comes as a response to long-standing concerns regarding the operations of Vision Plus SARL, owned by Moïse Bidjeng, Shunber Krupp operated by Ngoko Hyacinthe (Brive Meilo), Orizon BO, and various other advertising agencies allegedly acting in violation of Cameroonian law. When these concerns were initially raised, they were met with backlash on social media platforms, including Facebook, where the minister faced criticism and insults.
One notable incident involved Moïse Bidjeng challenging the minister to refer to Article 20 of the 2006 law governing advertising practices in Cameroon. Interestingly, Bidjeng had previously dismissed a letter from the Minister of Finance dated November 17, 2022, to the Minister of Decentralization, where Minister Louis Paul Motaze highlighted the non-conformity of the collection of advertising fees.

Following these events, Bidjeng and associates in Yaoundé allegedly sought to discredit the minister's statement and continue with their allegedly illicit financial activities. Presently, multiple legal proceedings are underway in Douala against Bidjeng and his agents, involving charges such as group rebellion, extortion of funds, attempted fraud, and fraud.

Moïse Bidjeng is further implicated in the destruction of campaigns by certain advertisers in Yaoundé, allegedly with the assistance of an individual identifying as "Agent d'appui CUY." Legal actions are being pursued against these individuals for their involvement in these activities, leading to their temporary detention before being released on bail.

The minister's call serves as a clear directive for professionals and advertisers to strictly adhere to the law, particularly Article 44 of the 2006 regulation law, the 1998 law on fair competition rules, and the taxation requirements specified in accordance with Article C3 of the General Tax Code. This move underscores the government's commitment to upholding legal standards within the advertising industry.