By Ebi Kesiena
Morocco’s General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) has opened a judicial inquiry into alleged corruption, abuse of power and smuggling at the Tangier Med port, following investigations ordered by the competent public prosecutor’s office.
In a statement, the DGSN said the National Brigade of the Judicial Police had launched the probe to examine criminal allegations against 24 individuals. The suspects include six police officers, six officials from a local unit of the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), and two customs agents.
Authorities suspect the officials failed to carry out their duties, abusing their positions for personal gain through corruption and influence peddling linked to the smuggling of goods and prohibited items at the airport.
The DGST noted that it had earlier supplied intelligence indicating the possible involvement of some officials in breaches of customs procedures at the port. Investigators believe the suspects used their influence to intervene on behalf of individuals seeking to bypass customs regulations in exchange for bribes.
The inquiry has also identified several civilians suspected of complicity, alongside the officials believed to have taken part in the alleged offences. All suspects have been placed under judicial investigation on the instructions of the public prosecutor to establish the extent of their involvement.
The DGSN added that investigations are ongoing to identify all perpetrators, accomplices and beneficiaries connected to the alleged criminal activities.
