Moroccan Billionaire and Ex-Mayor Faces Arrest in Embezzlement Case

In total, 16 people appeared last week before the judge in charge of investigating the irregularities found at the municipality of Laâyoune-Marsa. The Achkayen website reports that Hassan Derham, the only one absent from the hearing, had nevertheless been notified during the preliminary hearing.

The fact of not having presented a legitimate reason for non-appearance, let alone being represented by a lawyer, risks earning the billionaire an order for pre-trial detention, the same source continues.

Hassan Derham and 16 other accused, including the treasurer, councilors and business leaders, have been summoned to court for embezzlement of public funds and falsification of administrative documents.