Marrakech – 08.06.2026: In a concerted operation, the Moroccan police and the national security agency (DGSN) arrested a total of 11 individuals on Monday, June 8, 2026, in the cities of Marrakech and Tangier. These individuals were suspected of being involved in serious criminal activities in Europe, such as drug trafficking and money laundering. The arrests took place within the framework of investigations enabled by international cooperation, especially with Interpol.
Among those arrested were ten persons with dual citizenship: six French citizens of Moroccan origin, three Belgian citizens of Moroccan origin, and one Dutch citizen of Moroccan origin. Another detainee was a French citizen without Moroccan nationality. Ten of the eleven suspects were the focus of international searches, as they were listed in Interpol’s databases under so-called “Red Notices.” These notices were issued at the request of the judicial authorities from France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
The French citizens of Moroccan descent were wanted by the French authorities for alleged involvement in money laundering, membership in criminal organizations related to drug trafficking, as well as fraud and breach of trust. The Belgian citizens of Moroccan descent were suspected of being involved in international drug trafficking. The Dutch citizen of Moroccan origin was sought internationally on suspicion of involvement in international drug trafficking and money laundering. Additionally, a French citizen was arrested who was wanted in Morocco by the national criminal police (BNPJ) in connection with a money laundering investigation.
During the arrests, extensive investigations were carried out, resulting in the seizure of various assets. These included luxury watches, high-end vehicles and motorcycles, cash in Moroccan and foreign currencies, bank cards, mobile phones, cans of cocaine, as well as passports and various identity documents of the suspects. These seizures indicate the severity and scope of the criminal activities of those arrested.
The 11 individuals were taken into police custody and are now under the supervision of the competent public prosecutors. The investigations continue to clarify the exact circumstances of the alleged offenses and to initiate the appropriate legal procedures. It is also being examined to what extent the Moroccan judiciary has jurisdiction in the cases, especially regarding the Moroccan citizenship of some suspects.
These arrests highlight the importance of international cooperation in combating cross-border crime. They demonstrate how coordinated measures and the exchange of information between law enforcement agencies of different countries can effectively fight serious crimes. The Moroccan security authorities have once again shown their determination to combat international crime and to ensure security both domestically and internationally.
The investigations are ongoing, and further details about the detainees and their alleged activities are expected to be released in the coming days. The public is urged to remain vigilant in clarifying crimes and to provide relevant information to the competent authorities.
Sources
- DGSN
- BNPJ
- Interpol