Moroccan Real Estate Scam: 800 Buyers Defrauded in Bab Darna Case

The Bab Darna real estate company had ordered the broadcast of an advertisement on national television channels and social networks to attract potential real estate buyers. In this sense, it has highlighted real estate projects in the most prestigious neighborhoods of the cities of Casablanca and Marrakech, at prices well below those prevailing on the Moroccan market.

This advertisement caused a rush of potential real estate buyers towards the Bab Darna group. A good number of Moroccans from the interior as well as from the exterior have paid advances. However, it was impossible for them to hold the title deed.

When they discovered the scam of the group, they asked to be reimbursed. Impossible. Faced with the situation, some victims surrounded the CEO of Bab Darna who was about to leave Moroccan territory, before calling the police who then proceeded to his arrest.

According to the preliminary investigation, Mohamed Wardi owned a total of four companies and holdings, based in Casablanca with a capital estimated at 7.1 million dirhams. He is accused of having marketed fictitious real estate projects at very attractive prices.

Placed in pre-trial detention, his transfer to the Okacha prison will take place after the case is submitted to the examining magistrate. In total, 800 people including civil servants, small investors and entrepreneurs, and Moroccans living abroad (MRE) were victims of this vast fraud.