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Join on Telegram Rabat – Moroccan police have apprehended a group of 8 people who were impersonating local municipality workers in fake uniforms and issuing fraudulent tickets to unsuspecting people in Fez.
A group of 8 individuals ranging between the ages of 30 and 40 were arrested in Fez today on suspicion of having committed acts of impersonating municipality officials to commit blackmail and falsification.
The group impersonated officials from the Fez municipality by wearing the municipality’s uniforms. They used the uniforms and fake identification to extort pedestrians and drivers by offering them “protection” by monitoring their cars or property.
Once local officials became aware of the racket, they launched an investigation to discover the extent of the crimes and the individuals involved. The group was arrested in Fez after cooperation by the National Brigade of the Judicial Police (BNPJ) and the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST).
The officers in charge of the operation found several incriminating pieces of evidence among the accused group, among which false tickets, unfirmorms, police caps and vests, as well as cards and stamps of private companies that could have been used to facilitate the criminal acts.
The suspects are now in police custody and are awaiting further investigation by the local public prosecutor. Among the arrested individuals was a person already wanted by police on the national level.
Moroccan law takes a firm stance against extortion and fraud, with both crimes being clearly defined and punishable under the Moroccan Penal Code.
Extortion, as outlined in Article 538, involves the unlawful acquisition of money, assets, or benefits through threats, violence, or coercion. Those found guilty of extortion face imprisonment ranging from one to five years, along with fines..
Fraud is similarly addressed under Article 540 of the Penal Code, which defines it as the use of deceit, false pretenses, or manipulation to unlawfully obtain goods, services, or money from another person. The penalties for fraud can include imprisonment of up to five years and significant fines.
The law calls for severe punishments imposed in cases involving public officials or involving public funds, significant damage, or when the crime is committed by someone in a position of trust.
