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Rabat – Moroccan authorities launched an investigation on August 10, into a possible international human trafficking network that includes former members of the Moroccan auxiliary forces.
As part of the investigation, Moroccan authorities arrested those immediately suspected of trafficking, reports Middle East Monitor (MEM) citing local sources. The initial tip off was provided by Morocco’s Royal Gendarmerie who discovered the criminal network in the Arkman village in Morocco’s northern province of Nador.
According to the local newspaper Al-Massae, quoted by MEM, the network made up of “delinquents and former members of the auxiliary forces” was “in charge of managing clandestine immigration and human trafficking” in the area.
The network would secure irregular migration and human trafficking routes in exchange for commission. As part of a security operation, the Gendarmerie placed the suspects under arrest and transferred them to the Burquez.
“Early investigations have shown that the suspects were also accused of cooperating with others in the cities of Nador and Fez to facilitate illegal immigration and smuggling of those wishing to enter Melilla in return for sums of money,” Al-Massae revealed.
Since 2017, Morocco’s security services have prevented over 14,000 Spain-bound irregular migration attempts, in addition to dismantling over 5,000 trafficking operations and rescuing more than 80,500 irregular migrants at sea.
On August 5, representatives from 22 countries visited the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ) headquarters, as Morocco strives towards a higher degree of transparency in its security operations.
To recognize Morocco’s contribution to international security during the visit, the Diplomatic Foundation presented an award to BCIJ Director Cherkaoui Habboub, the Director General of the General Directorate for National Security (DGSN), and Directorate General of National Territory Surveillance (DGST) Abdellatif Hammouchi.
Morocco’s advances in the field of internal and external security have been well documented and well recognized. Rabat has extended a helping hand through its expertise to many countries in Africa and beyond. Most recently, officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) praised Morocco’s ability to combat human smuggling, emphasizing their commitment to cooperate with Rabat on this issue.
