Morocco faces mounting pressures from organized crime networks

Friday 14 November 2025 - 13:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco faces mounting pressures from organized crime networks

Morocco ranks 79th globally and 26th in Africa in the 2025 Global Organized Crime Index, published by the Geneva-based Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. The study highlights significant concerns about human trafficking, drug transit, and governance challenges that hinder effective crime prevention.

Human trafficking and exploitation

The report identifies human trafficking as a deeply entrenched issue in Morocco, driven by its strategic location as a source, transit point, and destination for trafficking operations. Foreign migrants, notably women and children, face risks of forced labor and sexual exploitation on their journey to Europe. Moroccan citizens also fall victim to trafficking abroad, especially in Europe and the Gulf states.

Within Morocco, exploitation is prevalent in domestic work, agriculture, construction, and prostitution. Despite an increase in arrests and infiltration attempts in 2024, corruption and resource shortages continue to undercut anti-trafficking efforts.

Illicit arms and counterfeit goods markets

The illicit arms trade in Morocco remains limited but is often tied to other illegal economies, relying on smuggling networks. Meanwhile, the counterfeit goods market thrives, fueled by corruption and Morocco’s strategic location. Key industries affected include electronics, pharmaceuticals, fashion, and alcohol, with underground activity persisting despite a slight decline in publicly visible counterfeit products.

Environmental crimes on the rise

Environmental crimes, though less visible, are expanding. The illegal trade of cedar wood involves organized networks and smaller actors engaged in logging and cross-border smuggling. Animal-related crimes, including illegal hunting and smuggling, are also evolving, with perpetrators using advanced technologies such as drones and encrypted communications.

Drug transit and production

Morocco serves as a major transit hub for heroin from Asia and cocaine from South America, destined for Europe. Drug seizures, including one exceeding one ton in early 2024, underscore heightened smuggling activity. While external markets drive demand, local consumption persists, particularly among affluent residents and expatriates.

Cannabis remains a cornerstone of Morocco’s drug trade, with the country ranked among the world’s largest producers. Despite legalizing cannabis for medical and industrial use in 2021, illegal production continues, driven by enforcement delays and limited economic opportunities for small farmers. The synthetic drug market is also growing, with increased local consumption of low-cost, addictive substances like "poufa."

Cybercrime and financial crimes

Cybercrime in Morocco is becoming more sophisticated, with criminals leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and cryptocurrencies. Financial crimes, including fraud, embezzlement, and abuse of power, remain prevalent, often involving influential public officials.

Governance and judicial challenges

Governance issues, including concentrated political power and corruption, continue to impede efforts to combat organized crime. Limited resources and the complexity of criminal networks further weaken the judicial system’s capacity to address these challenges effectively.

Morocco’s ranking as the second most affected country in North Africa, after Libya, underscores the need for comprehensive reforms and international cooperation to tackle organized crime and its societal impacts.