Early on Saturday, officers from the National Police (DGSN) in Nador arrested 16 suspects involved in a criminal network for international car trafficking and forgery, according to a DGSN press release.
Collaborative efforts and information from the Moroccan Territorial Surveillance Services (DGST) contributed to the apprehension of the criminal group in various rural areas on the outskirts of Nador and Driouch (North).
The traffickers are suspected of conspiring with other criminal groups to forge legal documents, serial number plates, and car registration plates, in addition to the illicit trafficking of vehicles. One individual was found wanted by multiple national arrest warrants.
Law enforcement authorities impounded dozens of cars of various brands and models with keys, counterfeit registration plates and documents, 220 car engines, and spare parts while inspecting warehouses used by the suspects.
The search operations also led to the seizure of hunting rifles, ammunition, computers, phones, data storage equipment, printing devices, and tools for forging vehicle plates.
Authorities also confiscated sums of money in both local and foreign currencies suspected to be proceeds from this criminal activity.
The car traffickers are now in custody pending further investigation, at the direction of the public prosecutor, into persons involved in the criminal network, with a focus on regional and international connections.