Morocco Seeks Extradition of Ex-Diplomat Accused of $250,000 Passport Fraud

Chraite is accused of having embezzled around 230,000 euros, a sum from the issuance of passports during his term at the consulate between September 2017 and December 2019. He is currently on provisional release, awaiting the verdict of the Criminal Chamber of the National Court, reports El Español.

During his hearing on February 27, 2023, Chraite rejected the idea of being extradited to his country of origin. The decision on extradition is now in the hands of the Criminal Chamber of the National Court. The Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that the accused had stolen passport seals in order to reuse them for new issuances, an action that was immortalized by the consulate’s cameras.

The Inspection Commission of the General Treasury of the Kingdom (TGR) highlighted Chraite’s alleged offense, who is accused of embezzlement in Morocco. After his acts were discovered in December 2019, Chraite fled. He was later apprehended by the Spanish National Police and Morocco was informed of his arrest via Interpol Spain.

The Prosecutor’s report indicates that the alleged offenses were committed on Spanish territory, precisely at the Moroccan Consulate General in Barcelona. However, under Article 43 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963, Chraite enjoys immunity, making his prosecution in Spain impossible for actions taken within the scope of his consular functions.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office added that Chraite cannot waive his diplomatic immunity to avoid trial in Morocco. Immunity is a state privilege that can only be revoked by the state itself. Therefore, the former consular agent’s future is currently in the hands of the Criminal Chamber of the National Court.