Fake Colonel Arrested: Massive Fraud Scheme Uncovered in Morocco’s Southeast

It all started with a complaint filed by two victims. According to them, an individual posing as a senior police commissioner had promised to use his influence to obtain substantial financial compensation in ongoing road accident cases before the courts, reports Assabah. But he did not keep his promise. This case marks the beginning of an investigation conducted by the judicial and security authorities. After several weeks of investigation, a DGST unit managed to locate the suspect in Ouarzazate. On Wednesday, a team from the local judicial police arrested him in broad daylight in the act. After his arrest, he was taken into custody for investigation on charges of usurpation of regulated functions, fraud and breach of trust. During a search of his home, the investigators seized a mobile phone. This was entrusted to the regional technical laboratory of the DGSN in Marrakech for digital forensics, in order to identify his contacts and verify the possible existence of accomplices.

It was discovered that the accused was also posing as a colonel. He used to spend most of his time in Salé and frequented a residence in the Yacoub El Mansour district of Rabat. He regularly wore a military uniform. He frequented cafes and clubs, particularly sports clubs, where he identified his victims, engaged in conversation and built relationships of trust. He promised some young people to help them join the ranks of the Royal Armed Forces, the Royal Gendarmerie or the National Security, and to others, particularly young athletes, a place in football clubs. Once the deadlines had passed without result, he disappeared. All attempts by the victims to find him were in vain.

According to the initial findings of the investigation, the con man has made more victims in the southeast of the country than in Rabat and Salé. His custody has been extended. The victims from Rabat and Salé will be heard through letters rogatory.