Moroccan financial authorities have identified suspicious transfers worth hundreds of millions of dirhams in import-export transactions. The Office des changes and the administration of customs have detected irregular transfers abroad through the manipulation of invoices in commercial operations. These transactions were valued at approximately 1.2 billion dirhams. The mechanism used involved over-invoicing, allowing companies to conceal the real value of goods.
The companies involved inflated the value of commercial transactions compared to the actual prices practiced, with the difference remaining abroad. The real value of goods was hidden in bank attestations produced to support settlements, bypassing existing control systems. Falsified declarations were found in both import and export transactions. Four cases have been referred to the administration of customs and indirect taxes for prosecution.
The Office des changes has also issued warnings to the companies involved, instructing them to regularize their situation or provide missing justifications. A second, separate case is being handled by the National Financial Intelligence Authority. This case involves international transfers in euros, exceeding 15 million euros per year, without apparent economic justification, affecting accounts opened in three banks.
The funds received were then redistributed among several company accounts. The investigation, launched after a report from banks to their central direction, is being conducted in coordination with European counterparts in Spain, Greece, and Italy. The goal is to trace the origin of the funds and verify the authenticity of documents, cross-referencing import-export declarations.
The beneficiaries are being called upon to justify the origin and legitimacy of the funds received. These procedures are part of the strengthening of the national anti-money laundering system, a project on which the Kingdom has engaged in a series of reforms in recent years to consolidate its position with international evaluation bodies.
The authorities have taken a proactive approach to identifying and addressing suspicious financial transactions. The cases under investigation demonstrate the complexity of money laundering schemes and the need for continued vigilance. The involvement of multiple countries and financial institutions highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating financial crimes.
Morocco's efforts to enhance its anti-money laundering framework are ongoing, with a focus on improving the transparency and accountability of financial transactions. The country's commitment to addressing these issues is crucial in maintaining the integrity of its financial system and ensuring compliance with international standards.
Key points
- Moroccan authorities have identified suspicious transfers worth 400 million dirhams in import-export transactions.
- The Office des changes and customs administration have detected irregular transfers through invoice manipulation.
- A second investigation is underway into international transfers exceeding 15 million euros without apparent economic justification.
