Nikon Z9 camera stolen from Belarusian delegation at Youth Olympics in Dakar, two detained

On 2 November in Dakar, where the 4th Youth Olympic Games are being held, members of the Belarusian delegation fell victim to a theft. Delegation representatives contacted the police the same day.

The Senegalese outlet SeneNews writes that a Nikon Z9 camera with a lens was stolen. The incident took place at the Pullman hotel, where the Belarusian athletes are staying.

According to Senegalese media, the thieves took advantage of the inattention of the hotel's security. The theft took place in the hotel car park. As the police established, the thief got into the luggage storage room and took the camera.

According to the outlet, surveillance cameras recorded a car arriving at the car park. The thief got into a Toyota Land Cruiser and drove away.

The Senegalese outlet Dakaractu, citing the local newspaper Libération, reported the detention of two suspects. They are the driver and the man for whom the stolen camera was meant to be resold. One of those detained is suspected of the theft, the other of buying stolen goods.

The suspects are accused of burglary and of selling stolen property. According to Senegalese media, the police found the stolen Nikon Z9. The status of those detained and how long they will remain in custody is not yet known.

Delegation head Vasil Yurchyk said the delegation had sent letters of thanks and expressed its gratitude to the local police, who responded quickly and professionally to the theft. According to him, all the property was returned to its owner in less than a day, and the culprit has been detained.

Yurchyk also thanked Senegal's leadership and the organisers for the warm welcome and said he was confident the young athletes are competing in a safe environment.

The line-up of the Belarusian delegation for the summer Youth Games in Dakar was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus at a meeting on 29 September 2026. In September 2026, the delegation included, among others, Dzianis Maslau.