Espionage Network Uncovered in Algeria’s Tlemcen: Moroccan Royal Palace’s Underhanded Tactics Exposed

✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | September 5th, 2024 — In a significant development, Algerian security forces have successfully dismantled a sophisticated espionage network operating within Tlemcen, revealing a troubling new chapter in the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Algeria and Morocco. The network, comprising several individuals, primarily included Moroccan nationals who had illegally entered Algeria. This operation highlights the persistent and hostile strategies employed by Morocco’s ruling Makhzen, a term referring to the Moroccan establishment, against Algeria.

The espionage attempt was exposed following the arrest of seven individuals on August 24, including four Moroccans. Mustapha Loubar, the Public Prosecutor at the Tlemcen Court, confirmed that these individuals were apprehended for attempting to undermine Algerian state security. The investigation revealed that the network was engaged in activities aimed at destabilizing Algerian security and administrative institutions.

The arrest came after Algerian security services received credible intelligence about a Moroccan national suspected of espionage activities in downtown Tlemcen. This led to the apprehension of Z.M., who, upon investigation and the examination of his mobile phone, was found to be part of a broader espionage operation. His interrogation unveiled that he was working with other Moroccan and Algerian operatives on behalf of a foreign entity.

The network’s activities extended beyond the initial arrests, with six more individuals, including three Moroccans—T.A., M.Kh., and M.H.—and three Algerians—R.M.A., T.Z.S.A., and B.R.—taken into custody on August 28. The preliminary investigation has established that this network aimed to disrupt Algeria’s security and administrative functions, following directives from B.S., a Moroccan national.

The legal proceedings have categorized the charges against the suspects into two main categories: intelligence with a foreign power and espionage. The Algerian nationals involved face charges related to intelligence with a foreign entity, while the Moroccan suspects are charged with espionage and illegal entry into Algeria. These charges are grounded in Algerian legal statutes, including Articles 62 and 64 of the Penal Code and Articles 4, 44, and 46 of Law 08-11, which governs foreign entry and residency in Algeria.

This espionage scandal comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Algeria and Morocco, marked by Morocco’s longstanding involvement in various controversial practices. These include the use of spyware, as seen in the recent scandal involving Israeli spyware used to target personalities in Algeria, France, and Spain, and the Moroccan government’s alleged efforts to flood Algeria with illicit drugs.

Furthermore, Moroccan intelligence services have been implicated in attempts to undermine Algerian youth through toxic online discourse. The latest espionage affair underscores the malevolent nature of the Makhzen’s propaganda machine, which continues to wage a covert and damaging campaign against Algeria. The recruitment of Algerian nationals by this network reflects an alarming trend of internal collaboration in furthering the Makhzen’s strategic objectives.

This latest incident not only reveals the Makhzen’s ongoing hostility but also highlights the broader, more insidious tactics being employed to destabilize Algeria.

 

 

Translated from: 

https://www.lexpressiondz.com/nationale/que-cherche-le-makhzen-385365

 

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