Taza's Regional Council President Sentenced for Fraud
In a significant legal ruling, the Criminal Chamber of the First Instance Court in Fes has sentenced Abdelilah Baaziz, the former president of the Taza Regional Council, to six months of imprisonment for his involvement in serious charges including fraud, forgery of official documents, and tax evasion through the submission of fake invoices. This ruling also implicated five other defendants, including the brother of the former council president, with prison terms ranging from three to six months.
The court found two individuals guilty, imposing five months of prison time on each, while one contractor received a six-month sentence. Another female defendant was sentenced to one month in prison, although six other individuals were acquitted of the charges brought against them.
According to reports from al3omk.com, the public prosecutor had initiated proceedings against Baaziz and eleven other defendants due to allegations of establishing companies and falsifying invoices. On April 7, 2026, Baaziz and his brothers were detained by the regional judicial police in Fes, leading to further arrests of additional suspects including employees and contractors as investigations unveiled fraudulent activities involving official documents and fictitious invoices aimed at manipulating government contracts.
The total number of arrested individuals reached twelve, with expectations of additional arrests as the investigation continues to identify all parties involved in these criminal acts. Furthermore, the court mandated Baaziz to pay approximately 16 million dirhams in tax debt and a civil compensation of 100,000 dirhams to the Moroccan state, represented by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Economy and Finance.
In addition, the other defendants were also ordered to pay a cumulative tax debt of 190 million dirhams and civil compensation amounting to 370,000 dirhams, while the court dismissed other requests related to the case.
As reported by al3omk.com.
