Moroccan Politician Sentenced for Embezzlement in Sidi Kacem Case

The case came to light on October 18, 2024, after the current president of the municipal council filed a complaint against Mohamed El Hafid with the Rabat court, accusing him of financial malpractices that caused an estimated damage of 55 million dirhams to the municipality. The investigations carried out made it possible to note irregularities in the collection of taxes on undeveloped land and market fees, as well as the non-application of penalties against the company in charge of urban cleanliness.

The court also noted exorbitant operating expenses, particularly related to the unjustified recruitment of temporary agents during the 2021 election campaign and the exaggerated increase in management costs. Irregularities that have further weakened the municipality’s resources.

The court established El Hafid’s responsibility and found him guilty of embezzlement of public funds. As a result, it sentenced the former municipal president to a two-year prison sentence, including one year firm, as well as a fine of 10,000 dirhams and damages of two million to be paid to the municipality. The lawyers of the Istiqlal party deputy announced that they were considering an appeal.