Snake Charmer Arrested in Marrakech for Scamming Tourist Over Photo

On June 25, on Jamaa el Fna Square, a tourist was forced to pay 450 dirhams to a snake charmer, after posing for a photo with his reptiles. Outraged by this scam, the tourist went to the Tourist Police Brigade to file a complaint.

The individual was arrested by the Brigade and brought before the Public Prosecutor’s Office on charges of fraud and breach of trust. The sum of money was seized by the elements of the Tourist Brigade.

Several cases of scams have been reported by the police services in Marrakech, in particular on Jamaa el Fna Square. The latest is that of a restaurant owner on the site, who had billed 5,000 dirhams to tourists for a simple meal.

Tourism professionals deplore the attitude of certain merchants and traders, who take advantage of the situation to charge astronomical prices to tourists.