Dozens of Casablanca businesses defrauded in major scam linked to Meknes network

Dozens of companies operating in Casablanca’s largest commercial hubs, including the well-known Derb Ghallef market, have fallen victim to an elaborate fraud scheme orchestrated by a network based in the city of Meknes, resulting in losses amounting to millions of dirhams.

According to Hespress AR sources, the victims were deceived by a company located in an industrial district of Meknes. The firm falsely claimed affiliation with a prominent real estate group in Casablanca to gain the trust of businesses and place large orders for goods.

The company reportedly employed young women to contact suppliers and traders in Derb Ghallef, convincing them that they represented a reputable company interested in purchasing merchandise. Once the goods were delivered to the company’s warehouse, they were quickly resold at lower prices to third-party firms — without ever paying the original vendors.

The fraudulent purchases spanned multiple sectors, including air conditioning units, footwear, industrial clothing, car and truck tires, agricultural supplies, and prefabricated office containers, among others.

Thirteen companies have jointly filed a criminal complaint with the public prosecutor in Meknes against five individuals, including the company’s legal representative, accusing them of fraud and issuing bad checks. Additional complaints were filed individually by other affected businesses.

The company’s legal representative, identified as “A.M.,” had been evading authorities following the issuance of more than 50 arrest warrants. He was eventually apprehended in Meknes in a coordinated operation involving several of the defrauded traders.

During a preliminary investigation by the judicial police, the suspect claimed that the company had been transferred to him by another wanted individual, known by the alias “Hajj Ismail D.,” whose real name is reportedly “Ibrahim H.” This individual is already under investigation for drug trafficking and fraud.

The suspect further revealed that, following the transfer, he opened several bank accounts in both the company’s name and his own, and handed over blank-signed checkbooks to “Hajj” to be used in the fraudulent transactions.

He insisted he was unaware of the full extent of the fraud and believed he was merely receiving small commissions from legitimate sales.

As of now, the main suspect and one accomplice are being questioned by the investigating judge. Arrest warrants remain outstanding for other members of the network, including the individual known as “Hajj.”