The Moroccan Customs Administration has launched a sweeping investigation into a network of front companies suspected of fraudulent import activities, leveraging its new artificial intelligence-powered system to detect and track irregularities, sources told Hespress AR.
The probe was triggered by post-audit inspection reports from regional customs offices, which raised red flags about companies used for one-off import operations before disappearing from regulatory oversight.
Initial investigations are focusing on three companies operating in Casablanca and Tangier, including two in the textiles and clothing sector.
According to sources, these companies imported large quantities of raw materials under the temporary admission regime, a system that allows tax-free imports of goods intended for re-export after processing. However, the materials were allegedly diverted to the local market and hidden behind false invoices.
Customs officials are now analyzing data from dozens of suspect firms using the administration’s central digital system, which integrates artificial intelligence to identify patterns of abuse. The system is linked to international customs databases and collaborates with professional organizations to verify price declarations and certificates of origin.
Investigators say some business owners exploited legal loopholes by filing for court-supervised liquidation or settlement procedures, allowing them to erase company records and reopen under new names—continuing to benefit from customs exemptions while evading scrutiny.
Authorities also uncovered manipulation of technical data on imported goods, particularly from exporters in Southeast Asia, including China and Hong Kong. Goods involved include electrical accessories, cookware, household items, and electronic and mechanical equipment.
The AI-powered customs platform has flagged multiple suspicious invoices and discrepancies in import documents. Investigators are currently verifying the authenticity of certificates of origin and compliance, cross-referencing them with foreign customs administrations through international data exchange agreements.
Morocco’s digital customs system, which supports the National Customs Targeting Committee, has become a critical tool in combating smuggling and fraudulent declarations by offering comprehensive oversight, real-time alerts, and enhanced traceability.
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