Moroccan Expatriate Cleared of Real Estate Fraud Charges in Spain

It all started with the Moroccan expatriate’s wish to acquire a property in Dar Bouazza in 2018 through his brother-in-law. He later discovered that the property he wanted to buy belonged to a deceased colonel in 2017 and was under judicial seizure, reports Assabah. He was then asked to pay 3 million dirhams to lift this restriction. He was then offered a "pledge deed" drawn up by two adouls, supposed to guarantee his rights until the regularization of the property instead of a notarial deed. He paid the requested amount, returned to Spain and was waiting for the formalities to be completed.

A few months later, things did not go as planned. The heirs of the property filed a complaint for attempted fraudulent appropriation. This led to the opening of an investigation. The Moroccan expatriate is now in the sights of the Moroccan justice system. Found guilty, he had been sentenced to four years in prison. After learning of his conviction, he decided to return to Morocco to clear his name, his lawyer having explained to him that the judgment by default can be canceled. Except that he will be arrested once on Moroccan territory, then placed in detention.

A trial finally opened before the Court of Appeal of Casablanca. The Moroccan expatriate will be acquitted.