Security forces in Tangier arrested three Chinese nationals on Saturday, February 1, for their involvement in cybercrime, specifically tampering with automated data processing systems and intercepting phone communications, according to a report published by Al-Akhbar on Tuesday, February 4.
A High-Tech Hacking Workshop in Rural Tangier
According to the same source, the suspects operated from an apartment equipped with advanced electronic devices, which they had converted into a hacking workshop in the rural area of Kznaya, on the outskirts of Tangier.
Seizures and Evidence Collected
Following thorough surveillance, authorities conducted a raid and caught the suspects in the act. The search operation led to the seizure of several items, including:
- Laptops and desktop computers
- A large number of SIM cards
- Wireless electronic equipment
- Other digital devices used in cyber fraud
How the Cybercriminals Operated
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects used advanced electronic techniques to reroute international phone calls onto local and national networks. This exploitation of tariff differentials enabled them to generate illicit profits.
Ongoing Investigation and Possible Accomplices
Under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor, an ongoing investigation is examining how these sophisticated devices were smuggled into Morocco and whether the suspects had accomplices inside or outside the country.
Previous Cybercrime Crackdowns in Morocco
Moroccan security services have previously dismantled similar cybercrime networks, including a recent case where authorities seized:
- 5,485 used SIM cards
- 337 new and preloaded SIM cards
- 2,821 SIM holders
- Various other digital devices
Growing Cyber Threats and Reinforced Security Measures
This operation comes amid the rising threats of cybercrime, highlighting the need to strengthen security measures to protect Morocco’s digital infrastructure from criminal activities targeting telecommunications and data systems.
