Moroccan Gendarme Arrested in Anti-Corruption Sting Operation

The toll-free number set up by the public prosecutor’s office to report corruption continues to bring down heads. A complaint was recently filed through the number by a person who claims to be the victim of extortion by a gendarme. The complaint was immediately transferred to the public prosecutor near the Court of Appeal of Casablanca, who then ordered the opening of an investigation, reports the daily Assabah.

An operation in coordination with the victim and the Mohammedia prosecutor’s office was launched to bring down the accused. The plaintiff presented himself at the agreed meeting place with the gendarme in a cafe in the city, with marked bills. But, on leaving the premises, the gendarme was apprehended by the investigators who found 1500 dirhams on him, consisting of the previously marked bills.

Pending the sanctions and sentences that could be handed down by the Justice, the gendarme was suspended, his salary was suspended and his work equipment was taken away since he must face prosecution for extortion and corruption. According to Assabah, the gendarme had demanded to receive a bribe before taking charge of a complaint the victim wanted to file.