Moroccan Professor Arrested for Reportedly Selling University Degrees
Rabat — A Moroccan court in Marrakech reportedly ordered the arrest of a university professor in Agadir at the local Oudaya prison in Marrakech on Tuesday.
The order was issued following an investigation into the professor's involvement in a master's degree registration scandal.
The investigating judge overseeing financial crimes at the Marrakech court of appeals issued the detention order after allegations emerged that the professor was selling university diplomas and certificates for money.
The decision came following a thorough investigation into the case by the National Judicial Police Brigade.
In addition to the professor, several other suspects are reportedly involved and went before the King's Attorney General at the same Court.
Reports indicate that the attorney then referred the case to the investigating judge of the Third Chamber responsible for financial crimes.
The scandal, which has shaken both academic and political circles, extends beyond just the university professor, as the case involves other suspects, including public officials.
Some of the suspects have been released pending trial, but under strict precautionary measures, including the confiscation of their passports and travel bans preventing them from leaving Moroccan territory.
Read also: Transparency Maroc Denounces Sextortion in Moroccan Universities
Local media also reported that the list of suspects involved in this case includes prominent lawyers, university officials' children, and local elected representatives.
More revelations are expected as investigations are underway in order to identify other potential members of this network that essentially turned master's degree programs into a marketplace.
Not the first of its kind
This is not the first time a similar university scandal in Morocco has made headlines.
The incident brings to the surface the 'Sex for Grades' scandal from 2022. In this case, several Hassan I University professors were arrested in Settat, found guilty of sexually harassing female students in exchange for academic incentives.
The 'Sex for Grades' scandals shook several universities and higher education institutions across Morocco. Students, NGOs, and the government took action against the problematic practice of unethically misusing power for personal gain. Tags: Degree fraudmoroccan universityUniversity professor
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
9 hours ago
- Morocco World
Amid Justice Ministry's Denial of Cyberattack, ‘Jabaroot' Claims Hack of Morocco's Road Safety Agency
Rabat — The Ministry of Justice issued a statement today regarding alleged leaks of electronic data, noting that the allegations do not in any way pertain to the ministry's information systems or database. The Ministry of Justice responded to the reports circulated on social networks and media platforms regarding the leaks, noting that the circulated information 'does not in any way pertain to the Ministry of Justice's information systems, nor is it related to its databases or secure digital services.' The ministry said that its information systems, including digital platforms for judicial and administrative services, are operating normally and securely. 'They have not been subjected to any breaches or data leaks,' the ministry said, noting that it implements multi-layered protection protocols. It also urged citizens to obtain information related to its operations from official and authorized sources, and to avoid 'giving credence to rumors or inaccurate news that could cause unnecessary confusion and concern.' The ministry also reiterates its commitment to ensuring the security and integrity of data and information related to the justice system and digital services, confirming its 'continued efforts to strengthen cybersecurity measures and vigilance to confront all potential risks in this field.' Algerian hacker group 'Jabaroot' claimed responsibility for the new alleged cyberattack against the Moroccan ministry. This is a continuation of Jabaroot's hacking claims. Recent social media reports suggest that the group published a leaked dossier from Morocco's road safety agency, NARSA. It remains to be seen whether the claim is authentic or another allegation that will be eventually denied by the agency in the coming hours. In the past few months, the group made similar announcements, claiming responsibility over cyberattacks targeting several other Moroccan databases, including the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) and the National Agency for Land Registry (ANCFCC). Sources from the land registry agency denied that its system was directly targeted, clarifying that the breach involved a notaries' platform, Tawtik, which is managed independently. An authorized source from ANFCC said recently that no intrusion or data leak has been detected in its information system. Converging reports suggested that the Algerian hacking group may have access to data on the notaries' platform by 'exploiting vulnerabilities in inadequately protected computers.' Tags: Algerian hackerJabaroot
Ya Biladi
11 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan Ministry of Justice denies data breach claims by Algerian hackers
Two days after the Algerian hacker group Jabaroot claimed to have leaked data allegedly belonging to the Moroccan Ministry of Justice, the ministry officially confirmed that the circulated information is not related to its systems in any way. In an official statement, the ministry affirmed that its databases and secure digital services are functioning normally and have not been compromised by any hacking or data breach. The ministry emphasized that it employs advanced, multi-layered protection protocols aligned with the latest international cybersecurity standards, and its systems undergo regular technical testing and evaluations by specialized teams to ensure their security. The Ministry of Justice urged citizens to rely solely on official sources for information and warned against spreading rumors and false reports that could cause unnecessary alarm without any factual basis.
Ya Biladi
11 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Spain seizes 4.7 tons of hashish in truck from Tangier
The Spanish Civil Guard successfully seized approximately 4.7 tons of hashish hidden inside a truck attempting to enter Spain via ferry from the port of Tangier, Morocco. According to a statement from the Civil Guard, the customs unit in Algeciras arrested a Moroccan citizen suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. Officers monitoring vehicles arriving from Tangier Med noticed suspicious alterations in the welds of the truck's trailer panels, as well as the driver's suspicious behavior and inconsistent answers, which raised their concerns. A thorough inspection supported by the canine unit uncovered 4,193 packages of hashish inside the trailer, with an estimated black market value exceeding eight million euros. Legal procedures were carried out by the Risk Analysis Unit (ULAR), which includes Civil Guard personnel attached to the customs office at the port of Algeciras, alongside customs monitoring by the tax agency. The detainee and seized drugs were handed over to the competent court in Algeciras.
