Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Casablanca — Moroccan police have dismantled a criminal network accused of fraudulently exporting cars to Spain, after an operation in Tangier and at the Tanger Med port at the end of April.
The arrests came on April 29 and 30 following intelligence from the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST). Eight suspects, aged between 32 and 42, were taken into custody. Investigators believe they were part of a structured group involved in document forgery, misuse of false identities, breach of trust, and the diversion of vehicles for international trafficking.
The scheme focused mainly on car rental companies and credit institutions. According to early findings, members of the network used fake identities to acquire vehicles, which were then altered to conceal their origin. License plates, administrative papers, and even serial numbers were falsified using what authorities described as advanced methods. Once modified, the cars were exported and resold in Europe.
Search operations led to several seizures. Police recovered four vehicles fitted with false plates, along with six powers of attorney issued by rental agencies to allow cars to leave the country. Officers also found four rental contracts, a temporary circulation permit issued to a rental company, and a company stamp. Other items included a car key, eight mobile phones, six SIM cards, and cash totaling MAD 40,710 and €3,680.
Investigators say the group exploited weaknesses in customs control procedures at Tanger Med. Over the first four months of the year alone, they allegedly managed to move 45 vehicles of various brands out of Morocco using forged documents and plates.
The suspects have been placed in custody under the supervision of the public prosecutor at the Tangier court of first instance. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and could lead to further arrests, as they work to identify possible links both within Morocco and abroad.
Morocco World News is also on X — check out our latest posts now! Get MWN on iOS and Android for instant access to breaking news.
