Rabat – Abdelhak Khiame, the former head of Morocco’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), an elite police unit specialized in counterterrorism and the fight against organized crime, died on Tuesday in Casablanca aged 64.
Khiame was leading the BCIJ office from its creation in 2015 until 2020 when he was succeeded by the current head of the security unit, Habboub Cherkaoui.
One of the most recognizable and revered Moroccan security officials, Khiame achieved applaudable results in the fight against terrorism.
Under his mandate, the BCIJ dismantled 80 terrorist cells and arrested over 1,200 suspects with links to ISIS and other terrorist groups.
Prior to heading the BCIJ, Khiame served as the chief of the National Judicial Police Brigade (BNPJ), a position to which he was promoted in 2004. His appointment at the BNPJ came shortly after the deadly terrorist attacks of May 16, 2003 in Casablanca, which claimed the lives of 45 people.
Khiame’s leadership at the BCIJ won plaudits in the region and worldwide, establishing Morocco among the safest countries in the world and winning the North African country the reverence and trust of many partner countries in the field of security.
For instance, the US State Department’s Country Reports on Terrorism has in recent years frequently touted America’s security partnership with Morocco and highlighted the importance of the BCIJ’s efficiency in the success of Morocco’s world-recognized security approach.
Under Khiame’s leadership, the BCIJ, also known as Morocco’s FBI, shared essential intel that helped a number of international partners tackle terrorism-related crimes.
In December 2018, BCIJ assisted Spain in arresting a terrorist suspect who fought in a foreign territory.
Khiame’s funeral is expected to take place in the afternoon today.
