Denver – Judicial police in the Moroccan city of Essaouira are investigating a police sergeant, his wife, and brother-in-law on charges of large-scale fraud.
According to the Directorate of National Security (DGSN), the trio were being investigated for “fictitious recruitment” of several victims in the city.
After learning of the scheme, investigators reportedly interacted with several advertisements the trio posted on social media. In the ads, the trio promised recruitment into unspecified government positions in exchange for large sums of money.
The investigations led to the arrest of the woman (the officer’s wife) who is believed to be the ringleader in the fraudulent scheme. Police were also able to charge the sergeant and his brother-in-law for their participation as well.
From the investigation, police officials were able to establish a list of victims that were defrauded in the city of Essaouira and the surrounding region.
All three suspects were taken into custody and formally charged, before being brought before competent public prosecutors to begin legal procedures.
An adjustment to Morocco’s legal framework earlier this year has strengthened anti-corruption operations throughout the country, and Moroccan public prosecutors have begun to expand their efforts to root out corruption throughout various departments in the country’s government.
Earlier this month, two government officials in Fez and Rabat were arrested after investigators determined they were involved in corrupt schemes involving blackmail and bribery. With the establishment of a new anti-corruption hotline, Moroccan citizens can now report suspected corrupt officials to authorities for further investigation.
