8,000 euros to marry his sister: Moroccan man admits killing his former brother-in-law in Italy

Mohamed Koufi remains in prison. On Tuesday, September 8, the investigating judge in Udine upheld his arrest and ordered him held in pretrial detention, reports Rai News. The authorities believe there is a concrete risk of flight and reoffending.

The Moroccan man confessed to killing Abdellatif Bensefiyan, a 65-year-old compatriot and the brother of his former partner Layla. The victim was attacked on Friday evening in the Sant’Osvaldo district of Udine, in northeastern Italy.

According to findings reported by Italian public television, Abdellatif Bensefiyan was stabbed seven times. Mohamed Koufi was then sought for several hours before being arrested on Saturday near the Basiliano railway station.

On Bladi.net : article 123529

Before investigators, the suspect did not deny being the perpetrator of the murder. He reportedly even told police where to find the weapon used. The main question now concerns his motive.

Two payments of 4,000 euros

Mohamed Koufi claims that the crime was not caused by his refusal to accept the end of his relationship with Layla, but by a financial dispute with her brother.

According to his account, he allegedly gave Abdellatif Bensefiyan two cash payments of 4,000 euros, totaling 8,000 euros. This money was allegedly a dowry intended to enable him to marry Layla and subsequently obtain a residence permit in Italy.

After their marriage plans failed, the Moroccan man allegedly demanded the money back. According to him, the 8,000 euros were never returned. He now presents this dispute as the cause of the murder, reports Rai News.

Investigators are nevertheless remaining cautious. The romantic motive remains under consideration. Before the murder, Mohamed Koufi allegedly struggled with the breakup, and the investigation is also examining tensions with his former partner.

One detail discovered after his arrest has deepened the questions: the 30-year-old allegedly burned with a lighter the tattoo bearing Layla’s first name that he had on his arm.

The investigation also revealed another contradiction. According to ANSA, Mohamed Koufi was already married when he lived in Morocco and had several children. Rai News specifies that he was responsible for supporting his wife and his five children who remained in Morocco.

On Bladi.net : article 116589

The public prosecutor’s office is now prosecuting the Moroccan man for intentional homicide. The charge of premeditation is also being considered at this stage of the investigation. In particular, the carabinieri found a bag containing knives and a wig during their search.

On Tuesday, the judge ruled that the evidence gathered justified keeping Mohamed Koufi in prison. An autopsy was also ordered to clarify the exact circumstances of Abdellatif Bensefiyan’s death.