Moroccan authorities investigate fraud network targeting job seekers for Portugal

Moroccan police in Agadir have launched an investigation into a large-scale fraud network that allegedly scammed individuals seeking employment in Portugal through fake companies.

According to Hespress AR sources, the judicial police have begun interviewing victims following a surge of complaints submitted to the public prosecutor at the Agadir Court of First Instance.

The investigation has uncovered the involvement of a private training institute in Agadir, which allegedly issued fraudulent diplomas used in visa applications for Portuguese work contracts. These documents were ultimately rejected by the Portuguese consulate after verification revealed their falsification.

Police inquiries have also revealed that officials at the training institute attempted to negotiate with victims by offering partial refunds for the forged diplomas, which had cost over 10,000 dirhams ($1,000) each.

The primary suspect, a Moroccan national residing in Portugal, has reportedly entered negotiations with some victims through intermediaries, offering partial reimbursements. Some individuals had paid up to €17,000 ($18,400) for a single work contract.

Victims told investigators they were scammed by the Moroccan migrant and a Portuguese lawyer who convinced them to pay thousands of euros—starting at €5,000 ($5,400)—for work contracts with non-existent companies. These contracts were subsequently rejected by the Portuguese consulate, leading to visa denials.

According to the investigation, payments were made in cash to the suspect’s mother and brother in Agadir, rather than through bank transfers or money transfer services. The Portuguese consulate provided written responses to visa applicants, explaining that their applications were denied due to the lack of legitimate activity by the hiring companies.

The fraud scheme affected individuals from various professional backgrounds, including engineers, traders, nurses, and bank executives. Some victims even applied for visas as family groups, making payments in installments based on the processing stages handled by the Portuguese lawyer, who was believed to be a legal intermediary.

Investigators have also been informed that job seekers were lured with promises of high salaries, housing, transportation, and social security benefits for themselves and their families. Some victims were further enticed by offers of reduced contract fees if they recruited additional applicants.

Additionally, some individuals were coerced into signing security checks to ensure payment. These checks are now being pursued as debts, even though the promised jobs do not exist.

Authorities continue to gather evidence as they work to dismantle the network responsible for deceiving dozens of Moroccan job seekers.