London Restaurateur Accused of 9 Million FCFA Scam

A London-based restaurateur, Adzeyuf Ntumkpu Jude Thaddeus Mbidzenyuy, is currently under scrutiny for allegedly defrauding a member of the Cameroonian community out of a substantial sum of 9 million FCFA. The individual making the accusation, who preferred to maintain their anonymity, asserts that Mbidzenyuy, the proprietor of Le Wouri Restaurant in Woolwich, made a promise to use the funds to assist in bringing the individual’s family to the UK through a Health and Social Care visa. However, this promise was not fulfilled.

As per the victim’s account, who is currently in Cameroon, Mbidzenyuy started giving excuses in January, despite initially assuring repayment by June. The victim claims that Mbidzenyuy has made a series of false promises and concocted stories to delay repayment. There is a growing concern within the Cameroonian community, especially among Cameroonians, who are desperate for jobs, regarding scams that target vulnerable individuals. Many who have already arrived in the UK are without jobs, given that the companies that sponsored them, did not have any.

Many are stranded, having spent millions of FCFA to travel, and facing threats of being sent back to Cameroon, if they do not secure alternative sponsorships.

Shady Business Practices and a Troubled Past

Upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that there are discrepancies surrounding Mbidzenyuy. The Wouri Restaurant, which takes its name from Douala, the economic capital of Mbidzenyuy’s native Cameroon, presents a striking juxtaposition to the separatist ideology he has been an ardent supporter of. Many people question the sincerity of his claimed fight for an independent Ambazonia, which is not lost on those who see the irony.

In 2020, the establishment, formerly known as the Albion pub, faced fines of £1,000 for violating COVID-19 regulations, according to public records. Although officially listed as the Albion pub by Greenwich Council, the locals have come to know it as Le Wouri Bar & Restaurant.

Furthermore, Mbidzenyuy once presented himself as the chairman of the Ambazonia Self Defence Council, (ASC,) and was one of those who were responsible for propagating the armed conflict in the Anglophone regions, which has today, claimed the lives of many civilians, mainly Anglophones.

Mbidzenyuy’s Silence

Mbidzenyuy has yet to provide a comprehensive response to the inquiries made regarding these allegations. After being pressed by MMI’s reporters, he did not provide any answers until a draft of this article was shared with him. He came back with the response “This is not a true representation of the situation. I called you last week and you did not respond.”

He was told to provide his response in writing, as we did not want to misrepresent him, but he has since gone quiet. The lack of an adequate response coincides with a period of great difficulty for the Cameroonian community in the UK, which has been deeply affected by comparable financial frauds. The recent case of a woman named Martha, who tragically lost her life in Leicester after falling victim to a scam and being brought to the UK under the same visa programme, highlights the profound consequences of such crimes. The mental health issues that resulted from these experiences are believed to have contributed to Martha’s unfortunate passing.

Seeking Justice and Protecting the Vulnerable

The victim, with the backing of MMI, is now said to be contemplating legal recourse against Mbidzenyuy. This case brings to light important concerns regarding the mistreatment of vulnerable individuals within the Cameroonian community. Law enforcement agencies should be diligent in their investigations and ensure that justice is served.

Mimi Mefo Info