Morocco’s BCIJ arrests suspected terrorist in Casablanca

RABAT – Morocco’s security services arrested Thursday an extremist with links to the Islamic State group (Daesh) for his alleged involvement in the preparation of a terrorist project aimed at seriously undermining public order.

The alleged 29-year-old extremist was arrested in Casablanca during a security operation carried out by the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) from the Directorate General for Territorial Surveillance (DGST). 

The searches carried out led to the seizure of computer equipment and devices, including digital media, mobile phones, SIM cards, a central unit and two laptops, according to the BCIJ. 

The arrest of the suspect was the result of close cooperation and coordination between the DGST and the American intelligence services, a joint operation which made it possible to identify the person concerned, and to unveil his terrorist project, said the BCIJ in a statement. 

 According to preliminary data from the investigation, the suspect was seeking safe avenues to join terrorist organizations, including in sub-Saharan Africa, Syria and Iraq. He also carried out visits to identify certain security observation points, with the aim of targeting them.

The suspect was placed in police custody and will be investigated for his possible links with terrorist organizations inside and outside Morocco, and his foiled terrorist project.

“This security operation once again reflects the importance of bilateral, joint and advanced cooperation with the US in the field of the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, concluded the BCIJ.