France on Tuesday thanked Morocco for its cooperation in the fight against organized crime after Moroccan authorities arrested 16 individuals allegedly involved in a range of serious criminal offenses, underscoring the growing judicial partnership between the two countries.
In a statement posted on X, French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin praised the Moroccan authorities for carrying out the operation as part of strengthened judicial cooperation and sustained exchanges between Rabat and Paris. He said the suspects are linked to serious crimes, including organized drug trafficking, murder, fraud, and money laundering.
Darmanin announced that France has initiated extradition requests for the French nationals among those arrested. He added that, in the case of dual Moroccan-French nationals, who cannot be extradited under Moroccan law, French authorities have submitted formal judicial referrals to ensure they are prosecuted and tried by Moroccan courts.
“Following our strengthened cooperation and our various exchanges, I thank our Moroccan friends, who recently arrested 16 individuals involved in serious criminal acts, including organized drug trafficking, murders, fraud, and money laundering,” Darmanin wrote. “Extradition requests for French nationals have been launched, while official referrals have been made for dual nationals, who cannot be extradited, so that they can be prosecuted and tried by the Moroccan authorities.”
The French justice minister concluded by expressing his appreciation “once again” to the Moroccan authorities for their judicial cooperation against organized crime, saying the operation contributes to the security of both countries and highlights the effectiveness of bilateral efforts to combat transnational criminal networks..
