Unraveling a Human Trafficking Scheme in Fes
In a significant law enforcement operation, the economic and financial division of the judicial police in Fes apprehended a man and his mother on charges of fraud targeting individuals aspiring to migrate to Italy. This operation, carried out on Wednesday, was prompted by a complaint from a victim who alleged that he had been swindled out of 85,000 dirhams under the pretense of being helped with illegal immigration from Libya to Italy.
The public prosecutor decided to charge the primary suspect with fraud and the facilitation of illegal migration, while his mother faces charges of complicity in the fraud. The suspect has been detained at the local prison in Bourkaiz, whereas his mother has been released on bail. Both individuals are set to face trial at the Fes court, which commenced proceedings on Thursday.
Details of the Fraudulent Operation
According to reliable sources, the case emerged after the victim reported that he had been promised assistance in illegally migrating to Italy. After negotiating a hefty sum, he transferred money to the suspects in stages. Upon arriving in Libya, he found himself among numerous other hopeful migrants in a shelter, where complications arose leading to several apprehensions and detentions.
The victim indicated that he had to send additional funds to secure his release after initially paying substantial amounts related to the migration process. Throughout the investigation, amounts cited included 50,000 dirhams, 30,000 dirhams, and 15,000 dirhams, with the aggregate sum reaching 85,000 dirhams, which he claims was delivered to the suspects or affiliated individuals.
The primary suspect confessed to communicating with an individual known as "Haj Elias," who allegedly specializes in organizing illegal migration to Italy from Libya. He admitted to acting as an intermediary between this person and individuals seeking to migrate, for which he received a financial commission. However, he denied that his mother had received the funds claimed by the victim, except for a 20,000 dirham advance for travel expenses.
In her defense, the suspect's mother denied any involvement in the alleged crimes, asserting that the accusations against her were unfounded and that she had only received 20,000 dirhams. The investigation also included confrontations between the parties involved, with the victim maintaining his account regarding the money exchanged for his supposed migration assistance.
Ultimately, the investigation revealed a recorded video, presented by the victim, purportedly detailing the involvement of the primary suspect in facilitating illegal migration for profit. Upon viewing this evidence, the suspect acknowledged his appearance in the video and confirmed that he received 5,000 dirhams for each person he assisted in migrating to Italy.
Following the completion of the investigation, both suspects were forwarded to the public prosecutor, who opted to keep the primary suspect in custody while allowing his mother to remain free pending trial. Their case is currently under judicial review at the Fes court.
As reported by goud.ma.
