Rabat- Steve Nacim was apprehended by the FBI in New Jersey on March 23, 2018, after successfully evading capture for 16 years in his native Morocco. He faces charges in a United States court of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit bank fraud worth USD 2.8 million (about MAD 25,677 million).
Rabat- Steve Nacim was apprehended by the FBI in New Jersey on March 23, 2018, after successfully evading capture for 16 years in his native Morocco. He faces charges in a United States court of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit bank fraud worth USD 2.8 million (about MAD 25,677 million).
Nacim, 50, returned to the US last month, where he is a naturalized citizen, and handed himself over to the authorities.
Following a federal arrest warrant issued on July 31, 2002, by the United States District Court of Newark, New Jersey, Nacim fled to Morocco. The FBI maintained tabs on Nacim during the intervening years, reminding him that he would still face charges in the US if he ever returned. The US and Morocco do not have an extradition treaty, making it impossible for US authorities to apprehend him in Morocco.
“Over the years we had contact with him to remind him he was still wanted in the US,” said FBI special agent Ed Koby to NJ.com.
On the day of Nacim’s arrest, the FBI operating in Newark took to Twitter to share the suspect’s profile.
@FBINewark arrested fugitive Steven Nacim who was wanted since 2002 for wire and bank fraud. pic.twitter.com/EBLHeEBVXk
— FBI Newark (@FBINewark) March 23, 2018
The FBI website also released a brief statement the same day, reviewing the charges against Nacim and reminding the public, “that indictments contain only allegations of criminal misconduct and that defendants are presumed to be innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.”
Nacim was believed to be a part of a larger criminal syndicate, Middle Eastern Criminal Enterprise (MECE). He, along with several accomplices, ran Computer 3000, a company that worked between New Jersey and Casablanca, Morocco.
Nacim is accused of using fraudulent cheques to purchase computer equipment and electronics, which were subsequently shipped to Morocco. Computer 3000 targeted and defrauded small businesses, so its illegal activities would be more difficult to detect.
Allegedly, Nacim operated with two accomplices: Mohamed El Cohen, 46, and Abdesslem Reda El Cohen, 37, both of whom are at large believed to be in Morocco, according to the Daily Mail.
“I want to thank the hard-working special agents and law enforcement officials who have been involved with this investigation over the past 16 years,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge Bradley W. Cohen of the FBI. “Their unwaning efforts and dedication led to the arrest of Mr. Nacim which will now allow for the criminal justice process to continue in this case.”
