Tarbes court investigates human trafficking of Moroccan workers

Four Franco-Moroccan individuals appeared before the Tarbes judicial court regarding a human trafficking scheme that operated between 2018 and 2025. Two brothers are accused of recruiting dozens of young Moroccans by promising forestry jobs and residency permits in exchange for payments ranging from 6,000 to 15,000 euros.

Upon arrival in the Hautes-Pyrénées region, victims were reportedly housed in unsanitary conditions in Ibos, described as a dilapidated house lacking heating and infested with rats. Many workers faced irregular or non-existent wages and failed to receive the promised legal documentation. At least eight to nine victims have come forward, with some filing criminal complaints and labor claims for unpaid wages.

During the proceedings, the court referred the case back to the prosecutor for further investigation, citing the complexity of the matter and the potential existence of more victims across France. The primary suspects face charges including human trafficking, money laundering, fraud, and employing foreigners without valid permits, which carry potential sentences of up to ten years in prison and fines of 1 million euros.