French National Arrested in Morocco for Staging Fake Kidnapping Scam

Investigators found that the accused had made a false statement about his alleged kidnapping, reports Assabah.

Aged 37, this Frenchman had posted a video on social networks, in which he is seen tied up, with blood on his body. He claimed to have been the victim of a kidnapping, and that the perpetrators were demanding 300,000 dirhams for his release.

Paralyzed by fear, the family of this "false victim" sought the help of the police. An investigation begins. A technical and meticulous analysis of the video refutes the kidnapping. Investigators go to his home. They see the "false victim" in perfect health and in the company of his girlfriend, originally from Guinea.

He admits to having completely fabricated this kidnapping in order to extort money from his sister. He will explain that he had debts to pay off, after failing to smuggle 15 candidates into illegal immigration. The latter want to be reimbursed.