Trial Commences for Former Director of عمران الشرق
On March 24, 2026, the First Instance Court in Fes announced the commencement of the trial for the former director of عمران الشرق, along with several employees and contractors implicated in a significant money laundering case. The court has scheduled the initial session for April 22, 2026. This decision follows the public prosecution's referral of the accused, including the former regional director of عمران الشرق, to the specialized chamber after previous convictions in a financial crimes case that resulted in prison sentences.
In a related development, the Criminal Chamber of the Appeals Court in Fes had previously sentenced the former general manager of عمران الشرق to eight years in prison for embezzling and misappropriating public funds. This ruling was issued on November 12, 2025, and similarly affected other co-defendants, with a computer services employee and a contractor each receiving five-year prison sentences, while another employee was sentenced to three years. Additionally, a company manager received a one-year prison sentence. However, four other defendants were acquitted of the charges against them.
Background of the Case
The roots of this controversy can be traced back to the previous year when the current general manager of عمران الشرق filed a complaint with the public prosecutor's office. He accused the former regional director, along with the financial manager, an engineer, and a company owner, of orchestrating the embezzlement of a staggering 6.1 billion dirhams. The allegations involve manipulation of public contracts and the undervaluation of state-owned land, which was subsequently sold at inflated prices to parties close to the former director.
Investigations have revealed significant discrepancies in the execution of several projects that were allocated substantial budgets but failed to materialize. In the ongoing judicial proceedings, the public prosecution has opted to detain three of the accused, while two remain fugitives. They face severe criminal charges that include embezzlement, misappropriation of public funds, complicity, forgery, abuse of power, and the illegal exclusion of competitors through collusion and fraudulent means.
As reported by marocmedias.com.
