Moroccan investigators are expanding a human trafficking investigation in the northern city of Ksar El Kebir that authorities believe involved the sexual exploitation of dozens of girls, including minors, according to sources familiar with the case.
Five suspects, a man, his wife and three other individuals, remain in custody and are being prosecuted on human trafficking charges before the Criminal Chamber of the Court of Appeal in Tangier, the sources told Hespress.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities expect additional developments as forensic examinations of mobile phones seized during searches of the main suspect’s residence continue.
According to the sources, investigators are working to identify the full scope of the alleged trafficking network and determine whether additional suspects inside and outside Ksar El Kebir were involved.
Authorities believe the number of alleged victims may reach dozens, many of them teenage girls and minors.
Sources said many of the alleged victims have not filed formal complaints because they fear social stigma and public exposure in the conservative town.
Investigators are also examining allegations that minors were transported outside the city and sexually exploited at agricultural farms located between the provinces of Larache and Kenitra in exchange for money.
Law enforcement officials expect those charged to face severe penalties if convicted, given the seriousness of the alleged offenses.
The investigation has already led to the arrest of 12 suspects, although only five remain in pretrial detention in connection with the case. Authorities believe additional individuals with links to the alleged network may still be under investigation.
Police operations carried out about two weeks ago also resulted in the discovery of four girls, including minors, whom investigators believe were victims of the network.
According to investigators, the suspects allegedly recruited victims from middle and high schools in Ksar El Kebir following several days of surveillance.
The investigation began after several minors sought treatment at local medical clinics for health complications, prompting authorities to launch inquiries that eventually uncovered the alleged trafficking network.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the identities of the victims or suspects because the investigation remains ongoing.
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