Latest news with #GeneralDirectorateforTerritorialSurveillance
Morocco World
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Police in Agadir Arrest Two Wanted British Nationals
Rabat – Security services in Agadir arrested on Saturday two British nationals, subject to arrest warrants issued by the UK. The arrest took place based on precise intelligence from the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), a security source said. The first suspect is allegedly involved in a case of voluntary manslaughter, while the second was subject to an international wanted notice through a red notice issued by the UK. He was wanted for charges related to failure to appear in court and violations of parole conditions. The suspects are in custody as part of extradition proceedings. Police informed security authorities of the arrests to ensure the necessary extradition procedures. Morocco is a key stakeholder in the Interpol as the country has helped many countries to arrest suspects subject to arrest warrants. Earlier this month, Morocco's police arrested a French national of Malian origin on an international warrant issued by French judicial authorities. In May, Interpol President Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi commended Morocco's security efforts, describing the country's security system as advanced, efficient, professional, and committed to respecting human rights. Al Raisi also commended King Mohammed VI's efforts and determination to consistently give special care and attention to bolstering security efforts locally and on regional and international levels For the Interpol chief, Morocco has played a 'key role in supporting numerous global security projects and initiatives,' adding that the country contributed to strengthening international security cooperation mechanisms. The North African country has been playing a significant role in the fight against migrant smuggling networks, human trafficking, drug trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime, he added. Tags: Interpol and moroccoUK and Morocco
Morocco World
28-06-2025
- Morocco World
BCIJ Arrests 21-Year-Old Woman Linked to ISIS Over Foiled Terror Plot
Rabat – Morocco's Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) has arrested a 21-year-old female student suspected of planning a major terrorist attack, the bureau announced on Friday. The suspect, who was pursuing her studies at a technical institute in Rabat, was taken into custody following precise intelligence provided by the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST). She is believed to be affiliated with ISIS and was allegedly preparing an attack that posed a serious threat to public safety. Her primary target, authorities said, was a religious site in Rabat. According to the BCIJ, the arrest was the result of close operational coordination between Moroccan intelligence services and their French counterparts. The joint effort enabled authorities to identify the suspect, monitor her extremist activities, and intervene before her plans could be carried out. Preliminary investigations indicate that the young woman had already begun acquiring skills in making bomb and toxic substances, and had secured materials believed to be intended for use in an imminent terror operation. A search of her residence uncovered flammable substances, extremist writings, and books promoting radical ideologies. The suspect is currently in police custody under anti-terrorism legal procedures. Investigators are working to determine how she was recruited and whether she has links to other terrorist groups or individuals. This arrest is part of the later efforts Morocco continues to make to focus on preemptive security operations amid persistent global and regional terror threats. It also affirms the strong counterterrorism partnership between Morocco and France, particularly in the area of intelligence sharing and joint investigations. On Tuesday, Morocco's Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance (DGSN-DGST), Abdellatif Hammouchi, signed a joint action plan with his French counterpart Louis Laugier in Rabat. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between Morocco's security services and France's National Police in combating transnational organized crime. Tags: bcij against ISISDGSN and DGSTISIS
Morocco World
04-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
France Thanks Morocco Over Arrest of Man Behind Crypto-Related Kidnappings
Rabat – France thanked Morocco today, stressing the country's importance as a strategic ally in security following the arrest of a suspect behind a series of recent crypto-related kidnappings in France. French Minister of Justice Gerald Darmanin conveyed his country's gratitude in a statement on X, where he 'sincerely thanks Morocco for this arrest.' He said this 'demonstrates the excellent judicial cooperation between our two countries, particularly in the fight against organized crime.' Earlier today, a joint operation by national judicial police in coordination with the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST) enabled security services to arrest a French-Moroccan national. A statement from the police indicated that the suspect is thought to be involved in crimes related to kidnapping with extortion, ransom demands targeting cryptocurrency users, as well as money laundering operations as part of an international crime network operating in France. The arrest took place in Tangier, falling within Moroccan security services' efforts to tackle insecurity. Police arrested the suspect after receiving a formal complaint from French security services detailing the alleged criminal acts the suspect committed in the European country. DGSN stressed in a statement today that the security operation is part of ongoing and intensive efforts by the national police to combat transnational organized crime and to deny criminals a safe haven or a legitimate operating base in Morocco. Many countries, including France, have highlighted Morocco's assistance on the security front. In April, French Interior Minister Bruno Retalleau described Morocco as a 'precious partner' in security matters. 'We are witnessing a renewed energy in our bilateral relationship, one that extends across multiple fields, including security,' Retailleau said during his visit to Morocco in April. He also pointed to joint cooperation between Moroccan and French authorities, including the arrest of several major drug traffickers wanted by French authorities.
Morocco World
04-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
French-Moroccan Man Arrested in Tangier for Crypto-Related Kidnapping in France
Rabat – Moroccan police arrested a 25-year-old man with dual French and Moroccan nationality on Wednesday in Tangier, suspected of being part of a network that kidnaps cryptocurrency traders and their family members and demands ransom payments for their release. Police said he is suspected of being involved in serious crimes involving kidnapping, blackmail, and money laundering connected to an international criminal network operating in France. The arrest was part of a joint operation carried out by Morocco's National Judicial Police Brigade (BNPJ) and the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST). According to a statement from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), Moroccan authorities made the arrest after receiving an official complaint from French law enforcement detailing the suspect's criminal activities in France. During the operation, police found a large number of weapons, including swords and knives, in the suspect's possession. They also seized dozens of phones and communication devices, which are now being examined for digital evidence. A significant amount of cash, believed to be linked to the suspect's illegal activities, was also confiscated. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man was wanted by French authorities on an international arrest warrant. He is accused of targeting individuals involved in cryptocurrency trading by kidnapping them, using violence, and demanding ransom payments. He is also suspected of helping to launder money gained from these crimes. The suspect is currently in police custody under Morocco's legal procedures. The National Judicial Police are conducting the investigation under the supervision of the public prosecutor. France is currently facing a disturbing rise in kidnappings and attempted kidnappings targeting wealthy individuals connected to cryptocurrency. Criminals are focusing on crypto millionaires and their families, often using violence to demand ransom or access to digital assets. Several recent cases show a pattern where attackers target people known to have large cryptocurrency holdings. These include tech executives, their family members, and others with public links to crypto wealth. Just last month, four masked men attempted to kidnap the daughter and grandson of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat in central Paris. France's Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has pledged action in response to this disturbing trend. He held a meeting with crypto businesspeople to develop better security protocols and raise awareness of risks. Tags: arrestcryptoFrancekidnap
Morocco World
26-05-2025
- Morocco World
Morocco Foils New Drug Trafficking Attempt, Seizes Nearly 4 Tons of Cannabis
Rabat – Moroccan police in Oued Zem, a city 156 kilometers from Casablanca, thwarted a drug trafficking operation – arresting four suspects linked to an international network involved in drug and psychotropic substance trafficking. The arrest was based on precise intelligence provided by the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST). During the operation, police seized 3.85 tons of cannabis that was concealed in two utility vehicles during simultaneous police operations near Oued Zem. The suspects were armed with bladed weapons and refused to comply and violently resisted the arrest. A police officer was forced to fire a warning shot with his service weapon to neutralize the threat. A search operation in the vehicles enabled police to seize several bundles of cannabis, weapons, and fake license plates. The suspects aged between 23 and 35 were put in custody, with two of them already wanted under several national arrest warrants for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking. Investigations are underway to shed further light on the case and arrest potential accomplices. Morocco thwarted several major drug trafficking attempts across the country. One of the latest foiled drug trafficking operations took place in March when police seized 5.7 tons of cannabis in the vicinity of Moulay Bousselham. Last year, police processed 92,346 drug-trafficking-related cases, arresting 119,692 individuals, including 287 foreigners. Police also seized 123 tons and 971 kilograms of cannabis resin, 1.948 tons of cocaine, and 16.53 kilograms of heroin, in addition to over 1 million psychotropic substances. Tags: Cannabis farms in Moroccodrug trafficking
