BCIJ Dismantles Terror Cell Involved in Criminal Activities
The Bureau Central d’Investigations Judiciaires (BCIJ), operating under the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), has successfully dismantled a terrorist cell comprising six individuals linked to a series of criminal activities associated with extremism. This operation, conducted on April 5 and 6, has revealed the group's involvement in theft, burglary, and money laundering, all conducted under the guise of legitimizing their ill-gotten gains.
Criminal Operations and Ideological Motivations
The arrests were made during coordinated operations in various locations, including Kénitra, Casablanca, and rural areas like Dar El Gueddari in the Sidi Kacem province, as well as Sidi Taïbi. During these raids, authorities seized extremist literature, knives of various sizes, and significant amounts of cash believed to originate from criminal enterprises. Additionally, investigators recovered a balaclava, gloves, three vehicles—two vans—and a motorcycle suspected of being used to facilitate the group's operations.
According to the investigations, which were bolstered by surveillance efforts, the suspects, heavily influenced by extremist ideology, engaged in theft and burglary as part of a conspiracy aimed at generating illicit income. Their method involved targeting livestock facilities in rural regions surrounding Kénitra and Sidi Slimane, subsequently selling the stolen goods at local markets, particularly in Joumaa Shim (Safi province) and Zemamra (Sidi Bennour province).
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to uncover the full extent of this cell's operations, exploring the connections between their criminal activities and extremist beliefs, and apprehending possible accomplices. The six suspects have been placed in custody as part of a comprehensive inquiry overseen by the relevant prosecutor's office specializing in terrorism and extremism.
As reported by article19.ma.
