Cocaine trafficking: International criminal organization, made up of Moroccans, dismantled
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The federal judicial police (PJF) of Louvain in collaboration with Europol, the European police cooperation agency, dismantled a criminal organization active in cocaine trafficking, cryptocurrencies and money laundering. These multiple activities would have generated 180 million in illicit profits, according to the Leuven prosecutor’s office.
Europol explained that it “supported a joint investigation between the Belgian federal judicial police in Leuven and the Spanish Guardia Civil, which led to the disruption of an underground banking system and large-scale money laundering. At least 180 million euros in illicit profits generated by cocaine trafficking have been laundered by the criminal network, made up of Moroccan, Spanish and Belgian nationals. The criminal network was active in Belgium and extended to the Netherlands, Spain, South America and Dubai. Its members had set up a complex and professional system to launder the illicit profits generated by the importation of cocaine through ports and airports into the European Union.»
Unveiled this Thursday, the action was carried out during the month of March. “Law enforcement arrested five suspects in Belgium, another in Spain and seized various criminal assets,” added Europol. “The criminal network relied on investments in cryptocurrencies and the distribution of cash through an underground banking system. One of the main methods of money laundering was to invest in luxury real estate projects in the Union, as well as in several Moroccan cities. »
Seven properties seized
The quantified assessment of the operation is therefore six people arrested in Belgium and Spain, an amount of 1.2 million euros in crypto-currencies seized as well as a sum of 50,000 euros in cash.
Investigators also seized seven properties as well as a luxury car, several luxury watches and jewelry. The criminal organization is also relieved of 23 telephones, three safes and a money counting machine.
“Law enforcement began investigating the case in October 2021, after analyzing decrypted Sky Ecc messages indicating the presence of a large-scale criminal network smuggling cocaine and laundering illicit profits,” explained the Europol. “The investigation revealed that large quantities of cocaine were being trafficked from various South American ports to several seaports and airports in Europe. By using contact persons at these different entry points, the organization managed to import several tonnes of cocaine and resell it at a colossal profit. Using a professional and flexible approach, involving methods, such as; the use of cover companies, the criminals managed to evade the authorities until the decryption of the Sky Ecc network. »
The fall of this criminal organization bears witness to the growing effectiveness of European police cooperation. In this specific case, Europol has provided analytical and operational support since March 2022, confirming links with other countries and identifying new ones. An operational task force has been set up to fight against criminal organizations operating as underground banks, thereby financing criminal activities and laundering the illegal profits of other criminal organizations.
Moroccan Drug Mafia: Growing threat to Europe, North Africa, controlling third of cocaine market in Europe
The Moroccan drug mafia is a growing threat to Europe and North African countries, according to a recent report by the African Institute for Security Studies.
The report reveals that the Moroccan drug cartel, known as the “Mocro Mafia”, controls a third of the cocaine market in Europe. This illegal activity is fueled by corrupt politicians, facilitating the smuggling of drugs from South America and cannabis plantations in Morocco to ports in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Corruption plays a crucial role in the activities of the Moroccan drug mafia. Smugglers are paying bribes of up to 100,000 euros to container transport workers at the Dutch ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam to avoid police and customs checks.
The Netherlands and Belgium have become centers of money laundering by the Moroccan mafia, which uses, in particular, the purchase of diamonds in Antwerp and the acquisition of real estate in Belgian territory.
The Mocro Mafia is also known to use violence to extend its control over the cocaine market. Over the past decade, more than 100 people have been killed in violence between the Moroccan mafia and Belgian drug traffickers.
The growing threat of the Moroccan drug mafia cannot be ignored. European and North African authorities should take immediate action to combat corruption, drug smuggling and violence associated with mafia activities.
It is essential that governments work together to put an end to the illegal activities of the Moroccan drug mafia and guarantee the safety of European and North African citizens.
