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4 clusters · 22 sources · 13 days · First seen · Last updated

Moroccan security and surveillance developments

Overview

Moroccan authorities have been involved in several high-profile security and political incidents. An investigation by Amnesty International and other media organizations detailed a sophisticated surveillance apparatus allegedly used by the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST) to monitor journalists, activists, and human rights defenders. The report, titled ‘We Start With the Verdict: Inside Morocco’s Surveillance Machine’, claims authorities use methods such as Pegasus spyware, hacking, and physical monitoring.

This surveillance has been described by investigators as “techno-oppression,” allowing the government to monitor private activities, including inside homes, without judicial authorization. A whistleblower identified as “Safir,” a former DGST employee, claimed surveillance devices are installed invisibly in private residences and internet cafes. While NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware has been previously linked to these activities, new research also mentions companies such as Italy’s Memento Labs, though the latter stated it has no current contracts in the region.

In a separate security matter in Tangier, judicial police arrested a 22-year-old man suspected of ISIS affiliation following intelligence from the DGST. Subsequent forensic investigations by the National Forensic Police Laboratory in Casablanca revealed the suspect was preparing for terrorist operations intended to threaten public order.

Chemical analyses confirmed the seizure of highly sensitive explosives, including TATP (acetone peroxide), urea fertilizer, and nitric acid. Digital and technological evidence showed the suspect had modified a mobile phone with electronic circuits to function as a remote detonation system. Investigators also recovered components intended to maximize casualties, such as nails and screws to be used as shrapnel. The suspect remains in custody under the supervision of a specialized public prosecutor.

Entities

Morocco · NSO Group · General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance · Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations · ISIS

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [CRIME] 9 sources
    Tangier terrorist suspect prepared explosives and remote detonators

    Moroccan forensic experts confirmed a 22-year-old ISIS-linked suspect in Tangier had prepared explosives, including TATP, and modified a mobile phone for remote detonation.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Morocco accused of illegal surveillance against activists and journalists

    Amnesty International has exposed an illegal surveillance system in Morocco used to monitor journalists and activists through sophisticated spyware and hidden devices, often without judicial oversight.

  3. [CRIME] 8 sources
    Tangier: Arrest of ISIS-affiliated suspect for alleged terror plots

    Moroccan authorities arrested a 22-year-old ISIS-affiliated suspect in Tangier, seizing cyberattack manuscripts, electronic devices, and chemicals suspected of being used for explosives.

  4. [INTERNATIONAL] 4 sources
    Morocco faces scrutiny over surveillance tactics and political misconduct

    Amnesty International reports that Moroccan authorities use advanced spyware and physical monitoring to target journalists and activists, while the arrest of Tangier's mayor sparks political unrest.

Sources

adginforma.it · akhbarona.com · alaoual.com · alayam24.com · assabah.ma · atlas24.ma · barbadosgazette.com · cawalisse.com · chamalpress.ma · dominicanrepublicpost.com · fesnews.net · haitigazette.com · hnews.ma · ilfattoquotidiano.it · laracheinfo.com · lebrief.ma · lemaroc360.com · lesiteinfo.com · nadorcity.com · northafricapost.com · tanja7.com · tanjanews.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history