Desert Escobar Saga: Latifa Raafat Denies Knowing Her Ex-Husband Was a Drug Lord

Tuesday 26 December 2023 - 13:30

The ongoing narrative surrounding Morocco's infamous "Desert Escobar" takes a new turn, as artist Latifa Raafat breaks her silence on allegations connecting her to an international drug trafficking ring. In a passionate Instagram Live session, the singer, widely known as the "Desert Queen," vehemently denies any knowledge or involvement in her ex-husband's criminal enterprise.

Raafat acknowledges her brief marriage to El Hadj Ahmed Ben Ibrahim, dubbed the "Desert Escobar" for orchestrating a South American drug network based in the Moroccan desert. However, she maintains that she was unaware of Ben Ibrahim's illicit activities during their 10-month union. According to Raafat, he portrayed himself as a successful businessman with an interest in investing in Morocco, a narrative supported by mutual friends.

The marriage quickly unraveled when suspicions arose, leading to Raafat's divorce and the severance of all financial ties with Ben Ibrahim. Addressing rumors of extravagant gifts, such as the villa she currently resides in, Raafat dismisses them as "utterly false," asserting independent wealth and ownership that predates her relationship with the alleged drug lord.

Raafat's statements emerge amidst the identification of 20 new suspects in the expanding Desert Escobar case. Notably, two high-profile politicians are implicated in money laundering and misappropriation of public funds. Authorities now claim that 25 individuals played a role in supporting Ben Ibrahim's criminal network, with some holding positions of public trust.

As the intrigue deepens around the international narcotics trade in Morocco's deserts, Latifa Raafat adamantly defends her reputation against insinuations of involvement. Nevertheless, lingering questions persist about whether the Desert Queen possessed more knowledge about the criminal activities of her ex-husband, the enigmatic El Hadj Ahmed Ben Ibrahim, widely recognized as the Desert Escobar.