Moroccan police have arrested six Algerian nationals for their alleged involvement in a criminal network active in document forgery, identity theft, illegal residence, and drug trafficking.
The arrests took place on June 25-26, following an intelligence-led operation conducted by the National Judicial Police Brigade, based on information provided by the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST).
Morocco’s police conducted the operation after the arrest of an Algerian national, who was the subject of an international arrest warrant issued through an Interpol Red Notice at the request of Algerian authorities.
The suspect was wanted for his involvement in drug trafficking.
During the arrest, police found forged residence permits in the suspect’s possession.
The situation led to an investigation, which enabled the arrest of five additional Algerians who are also suspected of participating in the same network.
Preliminary data from the police said the suspects forged residence permits and criminal record certificates issued by authorities in their home country, as well as documents purportedly issued by fictitious companies.
The suspects used the documents to obtain residence permits in Morocco to evade international judicial proceedings.
Police seized foreign passports, 10 forged official stamps, counterfeit documents, and several devices related to the forgery.
Police also seized passenger vehicles suspected of being used to facilitate the commission of crimes.
Police put the suspects in custody pending a judicial investigation to determine all circumstances of the case and to identify and arrest other possible accomplices.
