The control services of the Customs and Indirect Tax Administration (ADII) have stepped up their investigations in the face of suspicions of connections between jewelry and gold object smuggling operations, and money laundering networks.
Informed sources revealed to Hespress that the investigations, motivated by recent seizures of gold shipments of high financial value, are particularly focused on border crossing points, notably the Mohammed V and Marrakech-Menara international airports. The cases involve foreign nationals, mainly of Arab and African nationalities, attempting to leave the national territory with these valuable goods.
According to information given to Hespresscustoms services rely on the systems and data analysis unit of the National Customs Brigade to map smuggling networks and their routes between Morocco and the traffickers' countries of origin. These efforts are coordinated with the National Financial Intelligence Authority, allowing an exchange of data between different administrations and institutional partners. The aim is to determine whether seized gold shipments originated from illegal activities, such as drug trafficking or begging, before being converted into gold and destined for clandestine export.
Analyzes by customs agents predict an increase in smuggling attempts as the end-of-year holidays approach. These periods are marked by an intensification of flows at border crossing points, particularly at airports. In response, reinforced control plans are underway, including the use of lists of identity, nationality and destination deemed suspicious. Travelers on these lists will be subject to in-depth checks and systematic searches when the risk is deemed high.
At airports, declarations and ownership documents for gold jewelry are subject to careful scrutiny in case of doubt. However, used jewelry such as rings, bracelets or necklaces are considered personal property and may be exempt from specific declaration, provided that their weight does not exceed 500 grams and that they are proportional to the social status of the traveler concerned.
Customs control services also examine invoices for seized jewelry and gold objects to gather information on the local market. This approach aims to coordinate customs controls around the ownership documents of declared valuable goods. It responds to the increase in illicit transfers of funds in the form of gold and precious stones, orchestrated by Moroccans and foreigners, trying to escape strict customs rules.
The Customs and Indirect Tax Administration applies rigorous procedures to regulate the export and import of gold. Thanks to specific seals, any attempt at smuggling or evasion of duties and taxes can be prevented. In addition, specialized customs offices, located throughout the national territory, record gold exports intended for processing, particularly to Turkey, as well as imports.
By strengthening their vigilance and increasing investigations, Moroccan customs authorities reaffirm their commitment to combating smuggling and money laundering, thus helping to preserve the integrity of legal trade and the country's financial transparency.
