Tangier: Moroccan authorities arrested a 25-year-old French-Moroccan national on Wednesday, following an Interpol notice linking him to serious criminal activities.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the suspect is allegedly involved in a series of kidnapping, extortion, and ransom crimes that specifically targeted cryptocurrency users. In addition to these allegations, he is also believed to be involved in money laundering, as part of an active international network of organized crime in France.

This security operation was jointly conducted by the National Brigade of the Judicial Police (BNPJ) and the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST). The suspect was arrested in Tangier immediately after authorities received a formal complaint from their French counterparts.

Multiple bladed weapons of different sizes (knives and cutlass) were found in the suspect’s possession, alongside dozens of mobile phones and communication devices, currently subject to technical expertise to identify the
digital footprints. In addition, a sum of money allegedly related to criminal activities committed by the suspect was also discovered in his belongings, according to the same source.

The defendant was taken into police custody at the disposal of the judicial investigation entrusted to BNPJ, under the supervision of the competent prosecutor’s office in order to question him about the criminal acts alleged against him in the formal complaint. These acts require subjecting him to investigation and trial procedures in accordance with the provisions of national laws, given that he carries Moroccan nationality, says the press release.

This security operation is part of ongoing efforts carried out by the national police and DGST to combat transnational organized crime by denying those involved access to safe havens, hideouts and resources that could support and finance their illicit activities.