Morocco Issues First Human Trafficking Sentence Linked to Asian Online Scam
On Tuesday, a Moroccan court sentenced Nabil Moafik to five years in prison and imposed fines totaling $107,300 for human trafficking. This verdict marks Morocco’s first ruling in a case involving the recruitment of people to work in a scam operation based in Asia.
Details of the Case
The victims were young Moroccans who responded to an online job offer claiming promising pay in Thailand. Instead, they were trafficked to Myanmar, forced to work over 9,300 miles away from home, and made to facilitate online fraud and scams.
The defendant, Nabil Moafik, denied all charges and described human trafficking as a “crime against humanity” he would never commit.
Victims’ Testimonies and Court Proceedings
Victims present in the Casablanca courtroom reported witnessing torture and degrading treatment at the scam centres in Myanmar. Some obtained their freedom by paying ransoms in cryptocurrency, according to documents submitted by attorneys.
Role of the Defendant
Prosecutors revealed that Moafik managed a Facebook group assisting Moroccan immigrants in Turkey. He used this platform to advertise call-centre jobs in Thailand. One victim, Youssef Amzouz, answered the offer and was connected to a recruiter who arranged interviews and travel plans to Malaysia.
Global Context
The United Nations estimates that around 120,000 individuals are confined in scam centres worldwide. Legal actions against human trafficking for these scams are underway globally, including multiple cases progressing through Moroccan courts.
The United Nations highlights that approximately 120,000 people are trapped in these scam centres worldwide, prompting prosecutions internationally.
Author's summary: Morocco's landmark sentencing exposes a growing human trafficking network exploiting victims for scams in Asia, underscoring urgent global legal action against such crimes.