Significant Arrests in Casablanca's Telecommunications Sector
On Saturday, October 17, police investigators from the judicial police of the Ain Sebaa-Hay Mohammadi security zone in Casablanca apprehended two men, aged 23 and 28, suspected of hacking into national telecommunications networks and conducting extensive fraud through fake traffic fines. The General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) has reported these developments, indicating that the suspects are believed to be involved in illegal activities that include interference with automated data processing systems, international telephone communication hacking, fraud, and electronic scam operations.
Initial findings from the investigation reveal that the accused utilized sophisticated hardware and computer systems to infiltrate national telecommunications networks. They diverted international phone calls to local lines, profiting from the difference in tariffs until their identities were established through ongoing research, leading to their arrest in Casablanca.
Furthermore, investigators suspect that the two men engaged in a separate, yet equally concerning activity. Using a collection of phone numbers, they sent text messages impersonating the National Road Safety Agency (Narsa), falsely notifying recipients of supposed traffic violations and demanding payment for fictitious fines. Victims were misled to a fake online payment portal that mimicked the official Narsa website's visual identity.
Seizure of Evidence in Casablanca and Settat
During searches conducted at the residences of the suspects in both Casablanca and Settat, police seized dozens of SIM cards from national operators, recharge cards, a laptop, and various electronic devices intended for receiving and converting internet traffic. Various digital storage devices utilized in these criminal activities were also among the items collected by investigators.
The two suspects have been placed in custody as part of the ongoing judicial investigation overseen by the National Brigade of Judicial Police (BNPJ) and under the jurisdiction of the competent prosecutor's office. Further investigations aim to uncover any potential connections this network may have within Morocco and abroad.
As reported by barlamane.com.
