Investigation Uncovers Allegations of Corruption in Villa Demolition
The Ministry of the Interior in Morocco has initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the demolition of a classified villa located in the Hospitals neighborhood of Casablanca. This inquiry has resulted in the suspension of two local officials who are suspected of engaging in corruption, document forgery, and the illegal demolition of a protected architectural site. According to a report by the daily newspaper _Assabah_, the findings so far have raised serious concerns regarding the actions of these officials, leading to their temporary reassignment to the Anfa prefecture while further investigations are conducted.
Details surrounding the incident reveal that the villa, located on Salim Cherkaoui Street and acknowledged as part of the city’s architectural heritage, was demolished under questionable circumstances. Reports indicate that the villa's owner, who also serves as the president of a municipal council in the Casablanca-Settat region and is affiliated with the ruling party, allegedly sought the assistance of various local officials and employees to facilitate the demolition process. They were apparently informed that the structure was protected and could not be demolished according to urban planning regulations. However, the owner proceeded to manipulate the situation, falsely claiming that an official demolition order had been issued due to the building's deteriorating condition.
Further complicating matters, it has come to light that the relevant authorities had only granted permission for reinforcement work on the villa, not for its demolition. This authorization, issued at the end of 2025, was intended solely for structural enhancement, adhering to proper procedural standards under expert supervision. Instead, the owner and implicated officials reportedly misled residents into evacuating by suggesting that the building faced imminent demolition, a move that may constitute both document forgery and the misrepresentation of official facts, raising potential legal repercussions.
The investigation is delving into allegations of the manipulation of the original authorization and the creation of falsified records post-demolition, which could lead to significant consequences for all involved. The complete destruction of the villa not only inflicted damage to a piece of cultural heritage but also displaced residents who were misled about the legitimacy of the demolition. Local authorities, who are typically tasked with enforcing compliance with construction regulations, are accused of overstepping their bounds by directly facilitating the demolition, potentially to pave the way for a high-rise construction project that could yield profitable returns.
Prompt action from the Anfa district prefecture was initiated following a letter of protest from local residents, which called for urgent intervention. This response led to the suspension of the involved officials while awaiting the investigation's findings. The Ministry of the Interior’s inquiry is expected to result in the transfer of the case to the public prosecutor's office for potential legal action. In light of the serious nature of the alleged irregularities, the involvement of the National Brigade of Judicial Police is also being contemplated to ensure proper accountability.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
