Moroccan Man Sentenced for Using Fake Passport at Ceuta Border Crossing

The facts date back to January 2017, when the Moroccan M.E.M had presented at boarding a fake passport that had been given to him by H.N.M. in exchange for 1,000 euros, reports El Faro de Ceuta. According to the accused, who claims to be unaware of the fake stamps in the passport, H.N.M. was supposed to facilitate the formalities for him.

For the judge, this lack of knowledge of the "stamp forgery" is neither "plausible nor consistent", especially since the defendant "also falsely reported the loss of his residence permit". Moreover, the fact that he paid money for the service is proof that he knew he was committing an offense, specifies the magistrate.

All these circumstances lead to the conclusion that the accused acted knowingly, because, in the judge’s opinion, "his ignorance is not understandable if one considers that he paid 1,000 euros, handed over his document to H.N.M. and that the latter returned it to him modified. It clearly follows that he asked for this document to be obtained for him to pass the control".