Morocco’s innovative strategy leads the fight against transnational crime

Morocco is taking bold strides to combat transnational organized crime, employing a comprehensive strategy that combines legislative reforms, institutional innovation, operational efficiency, and international collaboration. Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi highlighted these efforts on Thursday during the opening of an international seminar in Rabat.

The two-day seminar, organized by the Supreme Council of Judicial Power (CSPJ) in collaboration with the French Ministry of Justice, convened global experts and officials to address the challenges posed by organized crime and explore effective countermeasures.

A multi-faceted approach to tackling organized crime

Minister Ouahbi emphasized that Morocco’s approach is built on four key pillars: legislative and institutional modernization, proactive security measures, international partnerships, and scientific and developmental methodologies. These efforts underscore Morocco’s commitment to being a regional leader in combating organized crime.

Morocco ranks highly in its fight against organized crime, scoring 4.80 points—well below the African average of 5.25 points—illustrating significant progress in enhancing security and the rule of law.

On the legislative front, the Ministry of Justice is advancing Morocco’s legal framework by drafting new laws and updating existing ones to counteract emerging criminal tactics. Among these initiatives, Ouahbi highlighted the proposed criminal procedure law and the establishment of the National Agency for the Recovery and Management of Seized and Confiscated Assets.

Global cooperation as a cornerstone

French Ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, stressed the global nature of organized crime and its far-reaching impact on societal stability, security, and economies. He cited drug trafficking, human trafficking, terrorism, and money laundering as some of the most pressing threats that undermine the rule of law and democratic institutions through corruption and violence.

Lecourtier emphasized the importance of sustained international cooperation, saying, “No country, no matter how powerful, can effectively act alone against a globalized organized crime that disregards borders.” He praised the strategic partnership between Morocco and France, formalized last October in Rabat by King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron, as a vital foundation for regional security and judicial collaboration.

Seminar highlights

The seminar, titled “Organized Crime: Challenges and Shared Responsibilities,” included panels and discussions on various critical topics such as the global threat of organized crime, evolving judicial structures, evidence-gathering techniques, and the necessity of international legal cooperation. These dialogues aim to strengthen efforts to counter the growing sophistication of criminal networks.

Morocco’s ongoing reforms and international collaborations position the country as a model for addressing organized crime, reinforcing its status as a regional leader in security and justice.