Alain Karol Tsapi, known as "Versace", was shot in what authorities suspect to be a targeted execution linked to financial fraud.

Planned Execution at Traffic Light

According to the Düsseldorf public prosecutor’s office, the victim was residing illegally in Germany and had been wanted for multiple fraud offenses related to "Feymania 419", a term commonly used in West and Central Africa to describe money-doubling scams and advance-fee fraud schemes.

Police investigations indicate that Karol had been involved in an altercation with at least three men outside a hotel near Düsseldorf’s main train station shortly before the shooting. Witnesses reported that he appeared to be fleeing the confrontation when he entered a ride-hailing vehicle.

Moments later, as the Uber car stopped at a red light, a group of unidentified assailants approached the vehicle. One of them fired multiple shots at Karol, who was sitting in the back seat. The attackers fled on foot, while the Uber driver was left unharmed.

Fraud Allegations and Investigations

Authorities suspect that the killing was linked to financial disputes over fraudulent schemes. Feymania 419 scams, commonly known as money-doubling schemes, are associated with high-stakes fraud involving fake investments, advance-fee transactions, and ritualistic scams.

Karol, who was well-known in Cameroonian diaspora circles, had been living a lavish lifestyle, often seen sporting high-end Versace clothing and luxury accessories.

At a Parisian Cameroonian event, Karol was photographed indulging in a luxurious lifestyle. Seated in an ornate golden chair, he wore a Versace-style black and gold shirt, exuding elegance and confidence. On the table before him were bottles of Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Scotch Whisky, a premium blend associated with prestige and refinement. A glass filled with whisky sat nearby, adding to the scene’s opulence. His relaxed pose, sunglasses, and the overall setting highlighted his affluent and lavish persona.

His extravagant lifestyle stood in stark contrast to his alleged involvement in financial fraud, raising questions about his sources of wealth and whether past dealings may have led to his assassination.

Cameroonian Bloggers React

The news of his assassination has dominated Cameroonian social media and news platforms. Popular blogger Nzui Manto published a report titled "UN FEYMAN CAMEROUNAIS ABATTU EN ALLEMAGNE !" (A Cameroonian Fraudster Killed in Germany). Another journalist, Shance Lion, wrote, "UN CAMEROUNAIS ASSA-SSI-NÉ À DÜSSELDORF EN ALLEMAGNE" (A Cameroonian Man Murdered in Düsseldorf, Germany), further highlighting the story’s impact within the community.

Many in the Cameroonian diaspora are split on the issue, with some seeing Karol’s death as the result of a high-stakes fraudulent lifestyle, while others question whether justice will be served for the crime.

Authorities Seek Suspects

German police are actively analyzing CCTV footage and questioning potential witnesses to identify the suspects. No arrests have been made as of Thursday. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward as investigations continue into one of Düsseldorf’s most high-profile assassinations of 2025.

This latest update follows our earlier report, which initially covered Karol’s assassination. With new details emerging about his criminal record, affluent lifestyle, and possible connections to fraud rings, the case continues to unfold as one of the most sensational murder stories involving a member of the Cameroonian diaspora in Europe.