Police services arrested, Wednesday in Fez, 7 individuals over suspicion of involvement in extortion crimes against merchants and vendors.
One of the arrested is a former terror convict, and two others are imbued with extremist ideologies.
The suspects called the money they collected, using threats, “spoils of war” and said they are entitled to it.
Police officers seized a large selection of bladed weapons of different sizes and shapes, fake administrative stamps, receipts of money transfers, contracts and documents of questionable authenticity, a motorcycle with false ownership documents, as well as money.
The arrested are also suspected of inciting a person with a criminal record to make threats and use violence against the merchants.
The suspects were remanded in police custody to complete the investigation, under the competent prosecution.