Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Marrakech – Moroccan authorities have arrested 118 individuals during security operations targeting illegal ticket scalping for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 matches currently being held in Morocco, according to an official announcement from police services.
The arrests occurred during the first phase of the group stage competitions. All detained individuals have been subjected to judicial investigations supervised by public prosecutors across various territories.
Security intelligence systems detected dozens of social media posts illegally offering AFCON match tickets for sale at inflated prices above official rates and exceeding their actual value, according to official sources.
Technical investigations and field operations enabled authorities to identify and arrest suspects in several Moroccan cities, particularly those hosting matches of the continental football tournament.
The criminal acts attributed to those arrested include illegal ticket sales, ticket forgery, electronic data system tampering, black market fraud targeting ticket buyers, and the dissemination of false news related to AFCON 2025 competitions.
Judicial investigations have been opened with the arrested individuals under orders from public prosecutors. Some were presented in detention while others were released, depending on the nature and extent of their involvement in the committed criminal acts.
In their statement, security services pledged to continue operations with full coordination between police and local authorities to combat all forms of AFCON ticket speculation.
Authorities maintain both digital surveillance and field operations to identify and arrest those involved in these criminal activities.
The crackdown follows the arrest of a 37-year-old man in Agadir last week on suspicion of selling match tickets outside official channels.
Security services identified the suspect after monitoring social media posts offering AFCON tickets for illegal sale. The man was arrested near a major shopping center in Agadir after confirming his connection to suspicious ticket transactions.
During the search operation, authorities found several tickets for matches scheduled within the tournament, along with money suspected to be proceeds from illegal activity, according to security sources.
The underground scalping network has created a black market with devastating price manipulation. Opening match tickets reached MAD 2,500 ($250) on the black market, while their original value does not exceed MAD 150 ($15). The tickets were offered for sale through multiple channels, including personal networks and social media platforms.
Empty stands during the tournament’s opening match sparked widespread concern, particularly after the organizing committee and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that all tickets had been sold in advance.
Despite these assurances, attendance did not exceed 60,180 spectators, well below the Moulay Abdellah Stadium’s full capacity of 68,000 seats.
Read also: The Price of Passion: AFCON 2025 Black Market Ticket Sales Hit Record Highs
