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Rabat — Morocco ranked 79th out of 193 countries worldwide in the 2025 Global Organized Crime Index, with the report noting that higher-ranked nations experience more widespread organized crime.
The North African country ranked 26th among 54 African countries and second in North Africa after Libya, which shows high crime rates.
The Geneva-based Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime published the report, which identified human trafficking as deeply rooted in Morocco.
The country’s geographic positioning made it a source, transit point, and destination for trafficking operations, both human and drug. Foreign migrants, particularly women and children, face growing risks of forced labor and sexual exploitation as they pass through Morocco on their way to Europe.
The report also indicated that Moroccan citizens also fall victim to trafficking abroad, especially in Europe and Gulf countries. Within the country, exploitation occurs in domestic work, agriculture, construction, and prostitution.
The index confirmed that despite increased arrests and infiltration attempts in 2024, corruption and resource shortages continue to hamper anti-trafficking efforts.
Arms and counterfeit goods markets
The report indicates that the illicit arms trade remains limited and is often linked to other illegal economies, such as drug and human trafficking, relying on smuggling infrastructure. Meanwhile, Morocco’s counterfeit goods market remains rooted due to its strategic location, infrastructure, and persistent corruption.
Although publicly displayed counterfeit products have decreased slightly, the reports added that underground activity remains strong. Both large and small networks engage in producing, distributing, and selling counterfeit items across sectors, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, fashion, and smuggled alcoholic beverages.
Environmental crimes expand
The report noted that plant-related crimes, though limited in scope and scale, particularly the illegal cedar wood trade, involve organized networks alongside smaller actors engaged in illegal logging and cross-border smuggling.
Animal-related crimes continue and evolve, involving a wide range of actors from illegal hunters and smugglers to traders, the report added, noting that some networks use advanced tools such as drones, encrypted communications, and electronic platforms to coordinate and execute their activities.
Major drug transit hub
Morocco remains a major transit country for heroin from Asia destined for Europe, thanks to its geographic position and cross-border smuggling routes, the report confirmed.
The North African country also serves as a strategic hub for cocaine transit from South America to Europe. Drug seizures have increased, including one case exceeding one ton in early 2024, reflecting heightened smuggling activity.
While external markets drive demand, local consumption persists among wealthy residents and expatriates in cities. Cross-border smuggling networks are diverse, supported by corrupt elements, complicit officials, logistics service providers, and money launderers.
Cannabis production persists despite legalization
The report explained that Morocco remains one of the world’s largest cannabis producers, thanks to favorable geographic and climatic conditions, particularly in the Rif Mountains. Despite legalizing cannabis for industrial and medical use since 2021, illegal production persists, partly due to delays in law enforcement and lack of economic alternatives for small farmers.
The synthetic drugs market has also grown notably, fueled by sophisticated smuggling methods and low-cost production strategies. Local consumption has increased, especially of “poufa,” a highly addictive, low-price drug often made from drug waste and toxic household materials.
Cybercrime and financial crimes rise
According to the reports, cybercrimes in Morocco show increasing sophistication and professionalism, with perpetrators exploiting modern technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrencies. They enhance their operations with encrypted communications and international criminal collaboration.
Regarding financial crimes, the report indicates the continued prevalence of fraud, embezzlement, and abuse of power, particularly among influential public officials.
Governance challenges hamper crime fighting
The report stressed that significant governance challenges persist, with political power remaining heavily concentrated, limiting the independence and effectiveness of democratic institutions. Ongoing problems also hinder the judicial system’s effectiveness in combating organized crime, including a lack of resources, corruption, and the complexity of criminal networks.
