2022 Baccalaureate: Morocco Arrests 573 People for Fraud

Rabat – Morocco’s security services arrested 573 nationwide for being involved in or associated with cases of fraud during the 2021-2022 baccalaureate exams.

Last week marked the beginning of the baccalaureate exams, and about 557,864 candidates sat for the national exam between June 20-24.

Morocco’s General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) said that about 468 people had been arrested for their alleged involvement in committing acts of fraud. during the exams

The rest of the arrests involved cases related to the possession and commercialization of computer equipment used for academic fraud.

The cases of fraud were recorded in different cities, particularly major regions, including Casablanca (158 cases), Agadir (71 cases), Rabat (38 cases), and Marrakech (36 cases), DGSN said.

It added that computer monitoring actions made it possible to identify 125 individuals who created accounts on social networks to “facilitate fraud.”

Police were able to filter an estimated number of 54 people directly involved in similar crimes.

The others are actively sought with a view to arrest them within the framework of judicial investigations.

Search operations enabled police to seize 121 mobile phones, 182 wireless communication devices, 143 wireless headphones connected to computer devices, and several tablets, laptops, and internet connection devices all linked to fraud cases during the exams, noted DGSN’s statement.

It concluded, “These intensive security operations are part of the DGSN’s mission to ensure the application of legal and regulatory rules related to fight against fraud, and its contribution to meeting the appropriate conditions for the smooth running of tests.”

The number of people who sat for baccalaureate exams increased by 8% compared to last year. In a statement issued earlier this month, the education ministry said that the retake session for this year’s baccalaureate will start on July 20.