Rabat – As the 2023 regional baccalaureate exams kicked off across Morocco, the country’s General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) arrested on Wednesday three individuals engaged in the illicit trade of wireless electronic devices used for cheating during the first-year baccalaureate exams.
In a joint operation with Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), the three suspects were apprehended in Sale on May 31, the DGSN tweeted.
#مكافحة_الغش_المدرسي
سلا.. توقيف ثلاثة أشخاص يشتبه في تورطهم في ترويج أجهزة اتصال لاسلكية مهربة بغرض استعمالها في الغش في الامتحانات المدرسية، في عملية مشتركة بين الشرطة القضائية ومصالح المديرية العامة لمراقبة التراب الوطني. pic.twitter.com/fHx4x9VYe5— DGSN MAROC (@DGSN_MAROC) May 31, 2023
Moroccan media reported that the arrested individuals, aged 22, 31, and 33, were caught red-handed while in the act of selling contraband wireless devices.
The seized items included 220 “VIP” digital cards, 393 wireless headphones, 180 mobile phones, 208 wired headphones, 180 charging cables, and spare parts from electronic equipment.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of three Mini cell phone pens, 20 batteries, 17 items of clothing equipped with wireless communication technology, a car, a motorcycle, and a sum of money believed to be proceeds from this illicit activity.
The DGSN put the suspects in custody pending further investigation under the supervision of the prosecutor’s office to determine the extent of their involvement in the case.
The 2023 regional baccalaureate exams are taking place between May 31 and June 3, while the national baccalaureate exams for science, economy, and technology majors will be held from June 6 to 8, and for literature branches on June 9 and 10.
Morocco’s Minister of National Education, Primary Education, and Sports, Chakib Benmoussa, stressed earlier this week that his ministry had prepared all the necessary conditions to ensure the smooth conduct of all exams.
Benmoussa underscored the importance of warning candidates against resorting to cheating, noting that his ministry has launched awareness campaigns and coordinated with regional and security authorities to combat cheating in all its forms, particularly the use of digital devices.
Cheating in Moroccan school exams is considered a punishable offense under Law N° 02-13, adopted in 2016. The legislation covers various deceptive practices, including the use of forged identification documents, proxy test-taking, and prior disclosure of questions or answers.
Last month, the judicial police in Taourirt, a town in the northern part of Morocco arrested a 23-year-old person suspected of distributing smuggled electronic devices used to cheat in school exams.
Read also: Police Arrest Suspect Distributing Cheating Devices Ahead of Baccalaureate Exams
