The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), a division of the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), has successfully dismantled a six-member ISIS-affiliated cell that authorities believe was engaged in criminal activities across Morocco. The operation, which took place on April 5 and 6, involved coordinated raids in Kenitra, Casablanca, the Dar El Gueddari area in Sidi Kacem province, and Sidi Taibi, resulting in the arrest of the suspects.
The group is suspected of theft, burglary, and money laundering, justifying their illegal gains through the concept of “legitimization of loot, “a term used by extremist circles to rationalize their actions. During the search operations, authorities seized extremist literature, various sizes of bladed weapons, and sums of money in Moroccan dirhams, believed to be connected to their criminal activities. Additionally, equipment used in their operations, including a balaclava, gloves, three vehicles (two vans and a motorcycle), and a balaclava, were also confiscated.
Preliminary findings suggest that the suspects, who were adherents of extremist ideology, had recently conducted a series of thefts and burglaries as part of an organized criminal network designed to generate illicit revenue. Their modus operandi involved targeting livestock farms in rural areas surrounding Kenitra and Sidi Slimane. The stolen goods were then sold in local markets in the commune of Joumaa Shim, in Safi province, and in the city of Zemamra, in Sidi Bennour province.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the suspects’activities, uncover potential links to broader extremist networks, and identify additional accomplices. The suspects have been placed in police custody pending further inquiry under the supervision of the prosecutor’s office that handles terrorism and extremism cases.
Source: moroccoworldnews
