Moroccan Police Bust Human Trafficking Ring in Laâyoune, Arrest Five Suspects

The accused, aged 18 to 43, including two sub-Saharan nationals and two Moroccans with multiple criminal records, are suspected of being linked to a criminal network active in the organization of illegal migration, according to a statement from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN).

Furthermore, the preliminary investigations carried out as part of this case led to the arrest of the suspects on board a light vehicle in Laâyoune. Based on the results of the investigations carried out after the reception, by the judicial police services, of data concerning their willingness to organize an operation of clandestine emigration by maritime routes from the southern coasts of the Kingdom, they were arrested with 13 candidates for illegal emigration from sub-Saharan Africa.

As for the searches carried out on the suspects, they led to the seizure of three life jackets and five inflatable boats, in addition to a set of mobile phones used in this criminal activity.

For the needs of the investigation, the defendants were placed in custody.