French Rapper Maes Arrested in Morocco on International Warrant

The 29-year-old artist, originally from Sevran, was wanted for his absence at a trial where he was accused of group violence, acts dating back to 2018. Sentenced in absentia to ten months in prison and a 10,000 euro fine in June 2024, Maes had chosen exile in Dubai, citing threats to his person. "I left for Dubai after vehicles from my clip were burned by jealous people from my neighborhood [...]. They tried to extort money from me, I said to myself, but usually it’s me who does that to people," he had declared to Générations.

This hasty departure had already had consequences on his career, forcing him to cancel a major concert at the Accor Arena in Paris last December. A blow for the rapper, who saw this event as a major turning point. The last-minute cancellation had also fueled the mockery of his rival Booba.

To read: French Rapper Maes Cancels Paris Concert Amid Legal Troubles

According to sources close to the case, cited by Le Nouvel Obs, Maes would have left Dubai for Morocco on January 18, fearing extradition to France following the announcement of the visit of Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin to the emirate. Ironically, it is in Morocco, his country of origin, that the rapper was arrested.

Placed in detention, Maes is now awaiting the decision of the Moroccan authorities regarding his extradition. Except that Morocco never extradites its nationals.