Morocco Investigates International Group for Casino Money Laundering Scheme

Casinos, blessed places for money laundering? Following an alert from a large casino, the National Financial Intelligence Authority (ANRF) is conducting a thorough investigation into a group of Moroccan and foreign nationals suspected of using casinos to launder funds from illicit activities. The group indeed tried to corrupt a casino official, but he rejected the offer and alerted the management, according to Assabah. The latter in turn informed the ANRF, which opened an investigation in collaboration with its international counterparts to obtain additional information on the foreign nationals involved.

It is possible to launder millions of dirhams in a single day by simulating winnings from bets and gambling, often in collusion with certain casino owners, according to well-informed sources. Once laundered, these funds are reintegrated into the legal economy and reinvested in Morocco, after the payment of commissions to the casino owners, who take a share of the initial amount. These practices are recurrent in certain foreign casinos. In Morocco, casinos are under strict surveillance, and the law requires their managers to report any suspicion of money laundering under penalty of criminal prosecution.

The preliminary investigation reveals that two foreign members of the group, suspected of money laundering, are on blacklists of financial regulators in their countries of origin. They have a history of dubious files and would be involved in an international money laundering network. They take advantage of the winnings obtained in the casinos to reinvest funds from drug trafficking and other illicit activities. These funds "are then reinvested in the legal economy, particularly in real estate projects, such as the construction of residential complexes, or in sectors such as cafes, restaurants and recreational spaces," it is explained.