Latest news with #GeneralDirectorateforTerritorialSurveillance
Morocco World
4 hours ago
- 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
13 hours ago
- 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
Morocco World
17-05-2025
- Morocco World
Morocco Aids Spain in Arrest of Suspected ISIS Member
Rabat – The Spanish Civil Guard announced on Friday evening that they had arrested an individual in Guadalajara, central Spain, suspected of being affiliated with ISIS. The arrest was made possible through a joint operation with Morocco's General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST). 'Thanks to the close collaboration between the two security agencies, the presence of the individual on Spanish soil was verified, which allowed the reactivation of judicial proceedings previously opened against him in Morocco for terrorism-related offenses,' the Spanish Civil Guard said in a statement. Following his arrest, the suspect was brought before a judge at the Spanish National Court, the judicial body responsible for handling international arrest warrants. The Spanish Civil Guard said that combating terrorist threats remains a top priority for both national and international counterterrorism agencies. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect, but investigations are ongoing. This operation is part of a cooperation between Spain and Morocco in fighting terrorism and extremism. Both countries continue to coordinate efforts to strengthen regional and international security. This is not the first time Morocco has assisted Spain in thwarting potential terrorist threats. Moroccan intelligence played a key role in foiling similar plots on Spanish territory. Morocco helped Spain dismantle an ISIS-linked terror cell in November 2024. The joint operation led to the arrest of nine suspects across both countries, described as a serious security threat. Spain thanked Morocco's intelligence for their help and described the operation as a model of international cooperation. Weapons, electronic devices, and evidence of extremist ideology were seized during the operation. The detainees, some with prior terror convictions, were considered highly radicalized. Morocco has continued to reiterate its firm commitment to global counterterrorism efforts and enhancing bilateral security partnerships. Tags: ISISMorocco and Spain
Morocco World
14-04-2025
- Morocco World
Tangier Jewelry Heist: Police Arrest 3, Recover 10kg of Gold
Rabat – Moroccan police arrested three men on Saturday, April 12, after a bold break-in at a jewelry store in Tangier's Beni Makada district. The suspects, aged between 29 to 46, had slipped through a hole carved into a wall, made off with a massive haul, and almost disappeared until investigators caught up with them in less than a day. The operation, carried out with precise coordination between Tangier's judicial police and the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), brought back ten kilograms of gold that had vanished just hours earlier. The robbery took place early Friday, April 11, in a scene that could have belonged to a film. The thieves bypassed doors and alarms by cutting through the wall of a neighboring building, accessing the store unnoticed. Thankfully, within 24 hours, authorities apprehended the suspects and recovered the stolen gold. Read also: Morocco Seizes Nearly 1 Kg of Smuggled Gold Jewelry in Tanger-Med Port Investigators worked quickly to track the suspects. The lead suspect returned from Casablanca with cash from an alleged partial sale of the stolen jewelry. The detail helped officers zero in on his location. When police entered his apartment in Tangier, they found a large quantity of gold stashed inside. Two other men, including the owner of the car used during the robbery, also fell into custody. All three remain under police supervision as prosecutors continue to dig into the case. Authorities have not ruled out further arrests, noting that the level of planning suggests a wider network may have been involved. The rapid closure of the Tangier heist is indicative of Morocco's overall push in recent years to clamp down on organized crime and strengthen public safety. With increased coordination between police forces and advanced investigative tools, the country continues to signal its determination to root out illegal activities and maintain order across its cities.
