Marrakech Police Arrest Four in COVID-19 Donation Fraud Scheme

Four individuals were arrested for identity theft and fraud under the pretext of collecting donations for the victims of COVID-19. Among the accused, the main suspect, his brother and two other accomplices, were apprehended in Ben Ahmed in the act of receiving a transfer obtained by fraud, and following the usurpation by the main suspect of the identity of an authority agent. This is the head of an administrative annex in Marrakech.

According to their modus operandi, these individuals ask store owners and pharmacies in Marrakech to make financial and other in-kind donations, arguing that all these donations are intended for vulnerable and underprivileged people because of the [coronavirus], says a statement from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN).

Searches in the database reveal that the main accused, aged 50, is the subject of 14 national wanted notices in cases of fraud. His 40-year-old brother is wanted for a fraud case.

The 4 defendants were placed in custody, at the disposal of justice for the needs of the investigation, under the supervision of the prosecutor.