Latest news with #DGED
LeMonde
3 days ago
- Politics
- LeMonde
In Morocco, score-settling follows a former spy chief's escape abroad
An internal power struggle within Morocco's intelligence services has taken on both political and judicial overtones in recent weeks, with international ramifications. Mehdi Hijaouy, a former high-ranking official within Morocco's foreign intelligence service (DGED), was forced into exile to escape criminal prosecution that was threatened by some of his colleagues within the kingdom's security apparatus. Subject to an international arrest warrant for "fraud" and for facilitating "illegal emigration," Hijaouy is now in hiding abroad, while his family and associates have faced reprisals in Morocco. His French lawyers, William Bourdon and Vincent Brengarth, have sought to have the arrest warrant against him canceled by Interpol, arguing that Hijaouy is being prosecuted as part of a "strictly political procedure based on a judicial setup." Their application is about to be submitted to the international criminal police organization. "Mr. Hijaouy is in danger and needs protection," said Bourdon and Brengarth. 52 years old, Hijaouy reportedly served from 1993 to 2014 within the DGED, notably heading the Service Action training center – although Moroccan media close to the government claim that he was "dismissed from the DGED in 2010" and describe him as a "fake expert and a real fraud." After moving into strategic consulting, he wrote articles for Moroccan media – including some of those now attacking him, such as Hespress – on the concept of "security intelligence."
Ya Biladi
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Ex-Moroccan intelligence officer seeks asylum in Spain
Mehdi Hijaouy, a 52-year-old Moroccan national, previously identified as «the number 2» of Morocco's General Directorate of Studies and Documentation (DGED), has reportedly fled the country. After spending some time in France, he settled in Spain a few months ago, according to a report by the Spanish daily « El Confidencial ». The Spanish media outlet highlights that Hijaouy «received high-level training both in Morocco and internationally, including stints with the CIA in the United States and the Israeli Mossad». His roles were reportedly of a highly sensitive nature, providing him with extensive knowledge of both national and international security landscapes. Upon reaching Spain, Hijaouy sought asylum, but his request was denied. Meanwhile, Moroccan authorities have requested his extradition, accusing him of «belonging to a criminal organization, fraud, and promoting illegal immigration». Two Moroccan businessmen have also filed fraud complaints against him in Morocco. During his stay in France, he allegedly deceived others with promises of securing French passports. Hijaouy's defense argues that extradition to Morocco would endanger his life, claiming he possesses critical strategic information about the kingdom. The case took a dramatic turn recently when Hijaouy vanished, failing to report to Spanish police as mandated by Madrid's National Court. A discreet «number 2»? A source from Moroccan security told Yabiladi that Hijaouy is being sheltered by Spain's National Intelligence Center (CNI) in Madrid's suburbs. Contrary to Spanish media portrayals, the source insists Hijaouy was dismissed from the DGED about 15 years ago for «serious professional misconduct». Following various ventures in Morocco and abroad, Hijaouy transitioned to lobbying, founding the Washington Strategic Intelligence Center in the U.S. He claims the think tank has operated since 2017 «in the light and in the shadow in service of the Monarchy, the Kingdom, and the national cause». Hijaouy has also contributed opinion pieces on intelligence matters to Moroccan media outlets such as « Hespress », the economic magazine « Challenge », and other English-language platforms. Such public media activity contrasts with the expected discretion of DGED agents, as noted by the Moroccan security source: «Real counterintelligence agents do not manifest themselves in this way». As the situation unfolds, Algerian and Polisario media have seized on the story. «Flight of the number 2 of the Moroccan intelligence services», headlined «Echoroukonline». «The flight of high-ranking Moroccan officials questions the stability of the regime», noted «Ecosahraui».
