Latest news with #DGSN
Morocco World
14-06-2025
- Morocco World
Marrakech Police Arrest Interpol-Wanted French-Malian National
According to a statement released by Morocco's General Directorate of National Security ( DGSN ), the suspect is wanted in connection with the execution of a prison sentence for international drug trafficking as part of a criminal gang, as stated in the agency's official X post. The individual was confirmed to be under the international warrant through an Interpol database check, which revealed he is also wanted for money laundering in addition to criminal drug activities. Following his arrest, the suspect was placed under pre-extradition detention. French judicial authorities have been formally notified and are expected to send an official request from Paris to proceed. This is a continuing part of Morocco's strong presence contributing to Interpol's work in global security. Interpol President Ahmed Naser Al Raisi has previously lauded the country's efforts, describing their active involvement in more than a dozen Interpol-led projects as 'exceptional.' Morocco has established itself as a key security partner on the international stage, regularly offering intelligence support to assist foreign authorities in tracking and apprehending wanted individuals. Tags: DGSN and DGSTInterpolInterpol and morocco
Morocco World
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Interpol Appoints Morocco's Leïla Zouine Vice Chair of Cybercrime Expert Group
Rabat – Morocco has been elected to a leading position in Interpol's Global Cybercrime Expert Group, a move that shows the country's growing influence in international security cooperation. During a session held on Thursday at Interpol's headquarters in Lyon, Divisional Commissioner Leïla Zouine was named vice chair of the group. Zouine, who heads the cybercrime division at Morocco's General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), will be responsible for a key area known as 'empowerment.' Her work will focus on designing concrete tools and frameworks to support victims of cybercrime while building the capacity of law enforcement agencies to respond to the challenges of digital crime. The appointment took place during the expert group's inaugural annual meeting on June 4 and 5, where members elected the leadership team and outlined the group's strategic direction. As vice chair, Zouine will play a central role in shaping how international police forces approach the growing threat of cybercrime. This election is part of Morocco's broader initiative to update its national security framework and become a dynamic participant in international cooperation. Over the past few years, the DGSN has introduced specialized cybercrime units, more comprehensive training, and cross-border collaborations to better address the growing sophistication of cyber threats. The progress is measurable. During 2024, Moroccan police recorded a 95% clearance rate of crime, according to the DGSN annual report. As the North African country experienced fewer attacks and thefts altogether, cybercrime soared by 40%, with blackmail and sextortion cases becoming more prevalent. Despite the rise, the majority of incidents were handled effectively, thanks to the 'E-Blagh' platform that allows individuals to report cybercrime directly and in real-time. Morocco's inclusion in the Global Cybercrime Expert Group leadership lends further significance to it as a reliable partner to global policing. The election also illustrates how national capacity can evolve into global responsibility, as nations combine resources and skills to address shared security threats. Tags: cybercrimeDGSNLeila ZouineMoroccoMorocco Interpol
Morocco World
05-06-2025
- Morocco World
DGSN Arrests 118 for Baccalaureate Exam Cheating in Morocco
Rabat – Morocco's General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) has announced the arrest of 118 individuals, including 16 women and 12 minors, in connection with cases of exam fraud during the 2025 baccalaureate session. The individuals are suspected of participating in cheating operations as organizers, accomplices, or direct participants. The arrests took place amid heightened security measures during the exam period, with the first-year baccalaureate exams held from May 26 to 27, and the national unified exams from May 29 to June 2. The DGSN worked in coordination with national police units to monitor activity at all 1,995 examination centers across the country. Authorities also seized a large number of electronic tools used to facilitate cheating, including 98 mobile phones, 87 earpieces, 641 batteries, 7 laptops, and 28 internet connection devices. The crackdown forms part of the DGSN's sustained efforts to combat academic fraud, ensuring the rigorous application of legal and regulatory measures. These efforts aim to maintain the integrity of the national exams and guarantee conditions of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for all students. Despite the deployment of electronic scanners and other control tools, incidents of cheating persisted. Local media reported that photos of exam papers surfaced on social media shortly after test sessions began. A Ministry of Education official clarified that these were not classified as 'leaks,' as the photos were taken after official exam envelopes were opened in examination rooms. Under Law 02.13 on exam fraud, those found guilty of leaking questions or assisting in providing answers could face prison sentences of three months to two years, and fines ranging from MAD 1,000 to MAD 20,000 ($100 to $2,000). Candidates caught using unauthorized electronic devices or exchanging answers can be fined between MAD 2,000 and MAD 5,000 ($200 to $500). To supervise the 2025 exams, the Ministry of Education mobilized over 50,000 proctors to oversee nearly 30,000 examination rooms nationwide. The results of the regular session are scheduled to be released on June 14, while the make-up session will run from July 3 to 7, with results expected on July 12. Tags: baccalaureat examsCheating in Bac examsDGSN
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
29-05-2025
- Morocco World
Police Arrest Seven in Agadir for Facilitating Baccalaureate Exam Cheating
Doha – Police in Agadir arrested seven individuals Thursday morning for allegedly facilitating cheating during Morocco's Baccalaureate exams. The suspects include two students, two private education teachers, and two university students. The operation, coordinated between the Provincial Judicial Police Service and the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), began when authorities caught two Baccalaureate candidates using sophisticated wireless electronic equipment connected to communication networks inside an examination center. A simultaneous raid on an apartment in the same city led to the arrest of two private education teachers and two university students. These individuals allegedly provided exam answers to the arrested candidates through electronic equipment in exchange for money. Authorities seized mobile phones, a computer, cash, and receipts for financial transfers suspected to be proceeds from this criminal activity. The arrested suspects remain in police custody, while the two student candidates are subject to judicial investigation procedures under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor's office. In a similar case in Al Hoceima, the Provincial Judicial Police Service arrested a man in his twenties suspected of managing WhatsApp groups that receive and leak Baccalaureate exam answers in exchange for money through financial transfers. The public prosecutor at Al Hoceima Court of First Instance, Issa Yahyaoui, ordered the suspect's detention pending investigation. Reports indicate a growing commercial aspect to exam cheating, with accounts on social media platforms offering 'suitable prices' for 'facilitating the examination process and providing appropriate answers.' These services operate remotely, outside school walls, making enforcement increasingly difficult despite heightened security measures. These arrests come as the standard session of Morocco's unified national Baccalaureate examination began Thursday across the country. According to the Ministry of National Education, 495,395 candidates are participating this year, including 385,330 school students and 110,065 independent candidates. Strict measures, yet loopholes remain Despite strict security measures, including electronic scanners to prevent mobile phones or electronic devices from entering examination centers, news reports indicate that exam questions were seen circulating on social media shortly after the exams began. A ministry official told reporters that 'procedures are strict and firm' but acknowledged that some photos of exam papers were taken after envelopes were opened, which the official distinguished from true 'leaks' that would occur before envelopes are opened. Law 02.13 on examination fraud stipulates that those convicted of leaking exam subjects or helping provide answers face prison terms of three months to two years and fines of MAD 1,000 to MAD 20,000 ($100 to $2,000), or one of these penalties. Candidates caught exchanging information or using unauthorized electronic devices face fines of MAD 2,000 to MAD 5,000 ($200 to $500). The ministry has mobilized over 50,000 exam proctors across 1,995 examination centers containing 29,998 examination rooms. Results of the regular session will be announced on June 14, while the make-up session will be held July 3-7, with results expected on July 12. Read also: 495,000 Candidates to Sit for Morocco's Nationwide Baccalaureate 2025 Exams Tags: Baccalaureate Examscheating in baccalaureate exams
