Smartphones for drug money laundering

This is clearly one of the latest finds of money laundering networks originating mainly from drug trafficking. According to the daily Assabahwhich reports the information in its edition of Monday, November 25, “behind the peaceful and routine aspect of the border crossing between Melilla and Bni Nsar, since the eradication of the phenomenon of smuggling, money laundering networks are now active.

This activity is based on the use of high-end smartphones as merchandise, says the daily citing local sources. Thus, these networks introduce hundreds of luxury smartphones into Morocco every week. “These devices, transported by individuals who benefit from the relaxation of controls at the border post, are then resold in the parallel circuit on the Moroccan market.».

In this context, Assabah emphasizes that “this activity harms the Moroccan economy and fuels organized crime by financing it.”

According to intelligence reports cited by Assabahthis money laundering operation resulting from drug trafficking via the smuggling of luxury smartphones is orchestrated by a Moroccan national established in Melilla. The latter supplies the goods which are introduced into Morocco. Once on the other side of the border crossing, the smartphones are recovered by accomplices who are responsible for delivering them to resellers established in Nador and certain large cities in the Kingdom.

Citing the same sources, the daily affirms that it ““It is not just a banal activity of smuggling goods, but a means of laundering money from drug trafficking, generating significant sums every week.”

Highly in demand, smartphones are easily sold, especially since they are resold at very competitive prices on the Moroccan market. This makes it an illegal but also risky activity. “It is not only smuggling that deprives the State of tax revenues, duties and taxes, but the kingpin of a money laundering network resulting from international drug trafficking. notes the daily.