فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Rabat, June 16, 2025 – The capital city of Morocco, Rabat, witnessed on Monday the launch of a regional workshop on “Tracking, Seizing, and Confiscating Criminal Assets,” held over three days with the participation of representatives from international organizations as well as national and regional bodies. This initiative aligns with the high royal directives aimed at consolidating the principles of transparency, integrity, and strengthening the fight against organized crime.
The Importance of Combating Criminal Assets
In his opening speech, Attorney General Hisham Blalwi highlighted the growing importance of tracking, freezing, and confiscating criminal assets. He stressed that this issue has become a fundamental pillar in combating transnational crime, corruption, money laundering, and terrorism financing, given the serious threat they pose to the financial and social stability of nations.
Morocco’s Criminal Policy and International Alignment
Blalwi underscored that Morocco’s criminal policy is based on the principles of continuity and sustainability, striving to align the national legal framework with relevant international standards. He pointed out that these efforts led to Morocco’s removal from the enhanced follow-up process by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2023 and the completion of legislative adjustments in 2024, particularly regarding Recommendation 38 related to mutual legal assistance.
Role of the Public Prosecutor and Enhancing Judicial Cooperation
The Attorney General revealed that the Public Prosecutor’s Office issued a circular urging all prosecutors to activate international judicial cooperation in the field of criminal asset confiscation, promptly respond to foreign requests for asset freezing and seizure, and exchange information about the beneficial owners.
He explained that asset tracking is no longer a mere legal procedure but a strategic component in assessing the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies. He called for strengthening coordination among national bodies and expanding both formal and informal international cooperation, especially in light of challenges posed by modern financial technologies and cryptocurrencies.
Morocco’s Engagement in International Initiatives and Fighting Financial Crimes
Blalwi highlighted Morocco’s active involvement in international initiatives such as the MENA Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network (MENA-ARIN) and Interpol’s pilot project for a silver notice. Morocco also collaborates with the Council of Europe and the African Union through practical initiatives aimed at capacity building and experience sharing.
He affirmed that the Public Prosecutor’s Office continues to enforce laws related to money laundering and terrorism financing, conducting parallel financial investigations alongside criminal inquiries, with a focus on crimes linked to suspicious financial proceeds such as drugs and cybercrime. He emphasized the need to expedite investigations, improve case quality, and reduce adjudication times.
In conclusion, the Attorney General called for making the workshop a platform to exchange views and experiences on the best methods to track and confiscate criminal assets, contributing effectively to drying up the sources of crime and safeguarding societal security and stability.
