French fugitive wanted by Interpol arrested in Casablanca

Thursday 09 July 2026 - 15:30

By: Sahili Aya

French fugitive wanted by Interpol arrested in Casablanca

Moroccan police have arrested a 37-year-old French national in Casablanca who was the subject of an international arrest warrant issued by French judicial authorities through Interpol, reinforcing ongoing security cooperation between Morocco and France in the fight against transnational crime.

The arrest was carried out on Thursday by officers from the Casablanca Prefectural Judicial Police Service following intelligence provided by Morocco's General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST).

Interpol database confirmed international warrant

Authorities said the suspect's identity was verified through Interpol's database, confirming that he was wanted internationally at the request of the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Paris for the enforcement of a judicial sentence.

The operation was coordinated through Morocco's law enforcement agencies as part of established international police cooperation procedures.

Convictions linked to multiple criminal offenses

According to Moroccan authorities, the French national had been convicted in several criminal cases involving fraud, vehicle theft, trafficking in vehicles originating from criminal activities, money laundering, and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Officials did not disclose additional details regarding the convictions or the length of the sentence to be enforced.

Extradition process underway

Following his arrest, the suspect was placed under extradition procedures in accordance with instructions issued by the competent public prosecutor.

Morocco's National Central Bureau of Interpol in Rabat, operating under the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), has formally notified its French counterpart of the arrest to facilitate the surrender process.

International security cooperation

The operation underscores Morocco's continued efforts to strengthen international law enforcement cooperation, particularly in locating and apprehending individuals wanted in connection with cross-border criminal activities.

Moroccan authorities have increasingly relied on intelligence sharing and coordination with international partners to support investigations involving organized crime, financial offenses and other forms of transnational criminal activity.