Surge in Money Laundering Investigations in Morocco
Recent exclusive data obtained by "Goud" reveals a significant increase in the number of money laundering cases being pursued by judicial authorities across various Moroccan cities, including Fes, Marrakech, Rabat, and Casablanca. This trend, observed from January 1, 2026, to July 17, 2026, indicates a heightened vigilance among public prosecutors regarding these serious financial crimes. According to the figures available, the Fes Court of First Instance has received the bulk of the referrals, accounting for a substantial 56.31% of the total cases, which translates to 281 files. Following Fes, Marrakech registered 23.25% with 116 files, while Rabat and Casablanca accounted for 17.64% (88 files) and 2.81% (14 files), respectively. The overall number of cases referred during this period reached 499, underscoring the proactive approach being taken by the judiciary in addressing and combating complex financial and economic crimes.
Notable Figures Involved in Money Laundering Cases
This alarming rise in cases includes notable individuals such as politicians, elected officials, and various sector leaders, as well as individuals linked to drug trafficking networks and others suspected of engaging in criminal activities under the provisions of articles 1-574 and 2-574 of the Moroccan Penal Code, which pertain to the criminalization of money laundering and the imposition of stricter penalties when associated with underlying crimes. Reports indicate that some of these cases have been presented to investigative judges tasked with adjudicating money laundering offenses at the four primary courts, while the majority were directly forwarded by the public prosecution to the judicial bodies, which have actively commenced discussions on numerous cases, leading to the issuance of rulings in several matters. This judicial activity highlights the significant efforts being made by public prosecutors to initiate proceedings and make referral decisions within reasonable timeframes, reflecting a clear commitment to addressing money laundering offenses, which pose a considerable threat to financial integrity and the national economy, often interlinked with organized crime.
As reported by goud.ma.
