Missing Frenchman in Morocco: Police Respond to Le Figaro Claims

The General Directorate of National Security issued a categorical denial of information published by the French daily Le Figaro concerning the disappearance of a 29-year-old French national, initially reported on April 13, 2024. The DGSN described accusations of delays in the investigation as inaccurate and formally disputed the claim that the investigative team had failed to respond to requests from relatives. Police services stated that initial checks carried out in the apartment rented by the individual in Rabat had revealed no signs of forced entry, theft or suspicious evidence, with his personal belongings, electronic equipment and a sum of money found intact at the premises.

Deployment of investigative resources and technical expertise

Under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor’s office, the investigation was entrusted to Casablanca’s National Judicial Police Brigade (BNPJ), which carried out field investigations and advanced technical examinations. This deployment resulted in more than 60 interview reports being prepared with people acquainted with Clément Besneville, as well as dozens of requests sent to telecommunications operators, banking institutions and customs authorities. The national’s itinerary was meticulously retraced through the cities of Tétouan and Chefchaouen, without locating him. The DGSN also emphasized that international security cooperation had been activated to track the individual’s financial transfers, confirming the absence of any suspicion of a criminal nature.

Response to reports and follow-up with the family

Contrary to the claims relayed by the French media outlet, the DGSN said it had received the missing man’s family more than five times at the judicial police headquarters in Rabat to inform them of the case’s progress and return his personal belongings. The institution also stated that it had deployed six search teams in several cities across the Kingdom following telephone reports received by the individual’s father. One unit notably conducted investigations for three weeks in the mountainous areas of the High Atlas. These checks led to the identification of three individuals — a French national, an Estonian and a Moroccan — none of whom proved to be the person being sought.

Continuation of investigations in 2026

Testimonies collected during the investigation indicate that Clément Besneville was suffering from serious psychological complications before his disappearance. In addition, searches conducted in coordination with the DGST ruled out the possibility of religious radicalization or links with extremist circles within the country. The DGSN reiterated that the investigation remains open and that judicial measures continue to be undertaken, the most recent having been carried out on January 20, 2026. The institution reaffirmed its commitment to solving the case in strict compliance with legal provisions and international cooperation procedures.