Latest news with #NationalJudicialPoliceBrigade
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Suspect in French Crypto Kidnappings Arrested in Morocco
A suspect allegedly behind recent high-profile crypto kidnappings in France has been arrested in Morocco, according to Maghreb Arab Press, a government-run press agency. At the request of French authorities, a joint operation of Morocco's National Judicial Police Brigade (BNPJ) and the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) took the 24-year-old French-Moroccan suspect into custody, according to a statement from Moroccan police distributed by MAP. The press agency described the man, who was identified by French press as Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, as a mastermind of the crimes. "I sincerely thank Morocco for this arrest, which demonstrates the excellent judicial cooperation between our two countries, particularly against organized crime," said French Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin in a translated statement on social-media site X. Interpol said Bajjou was sought for organized extortion, kidnapping and violence, according to a so-called "red notice" posted for the man. French authorities have already charged more than two dozen people — including six minors — in the spate of crypto kidnappings in Paris, most of them tied to the May 13 failed kidnapping attempt of the family of Pierre Noizat, the CEO of exchange Paymium. Also in May, the father of a French crypto millionaire was reportedly kidnapped in a case that was similar to the earlier seizure of David Ballard, a co-founder of crypto-wallet developer Ledger, and his wife. Kidnappers severed a finger from each of the men. After those recent cases, France's Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau hosted a meeting with people involved in crypto to discuss measures to keep them secure.
Morocco World
6 days 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
15-05-2025
- Morocco World
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
Morocco World
07-05-2025
- Morocco World
Moroccan Authorities Foil Smuggling of 514 Kilograms of Cocaine at Tangier Med Port
Rabat – Moroccan authorities seized over half a ton of cocaine at the Tangier Med Port on Tuesday, May 6, in a coordinated operation that disrupted an attempted transcontinental drug smuggling effort. The seizure, which totaled 514 kilograms of cocaine, followed a joint effort between national security services and customs officials. The operation targeted three maritime containers that had departed from a port in South America and were bound for Belgium, transiting through Tangier Med. One of the containers, declared as carrying coal, drew the attention of customs officers based on operational intelligence. A search revealed the cocaine shipment hidden within the coal, in a method that appeared carefully crafted to avoid detection. The case has been handed over to the National Judicial Police Brigade, which operates under the supervision of the relevant public prosecutor's office. Investigators are working to determine the identities of those linked to the smuggling attempt and to map the broader network behind the operation. The seizure showcases the port's strategic position along global trade routes and the ongoing efforts by Moroccan institutions to monitor and intercept international drug trafficking. It is also part and parcel of Morocco's efforts to combat drug trafficking networks operating on national and international grounds, as well as disrupt narcotics supply chains that use the North African country as a transit point. Tags: cocaine bustcrimeDrug bustMorocco drug bustTangier Med
