Public Prosecutor: Transnational Organized Crime Threatens Global Security and Requires Advanced Judicial Cooperation
The Attorney General at the Court of Cassation, Head of the Public Prosecution, Hicham Blawi, participated in the opening of an international conference held in Rabat on June 19 and 20, 2025, on the topic of combating transnational organized crime. The event was organized by the High Council of the Judiciary in partnership with the French Ministry of Justice, attended by several judicial officials and representatives from international and regional organizations.
In his opening speech, the Head of the Public Prosecution emphasized that transnational organized crime poses a direct threat to the security and stability of societies, as it challenges legal systems and exploits geographical borders and modern technological advancements. He explained that these gangs increasingly use artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies to conceal criminal proceeds and exploit conflict zones to finance extremist groups and inject illicit funds into the economy.
Blawi referenced international data highlighting the severity of the phenomenon, including the Global Organized Crime Index Report for 2023, which revealed that 83% of the world’s population lives in countries with a high level of organized crime, up from 79% in 2021. He also noted World Bank estimates that annual losses from organized crime amount to $290 billion, with financial crimes associated with it making up 5% of the global gross domestic product.
The Head of the Public Prosecution confirmed that Morocco is strongly engaged in international efforts to combat organized crime, pointing to the adoption of the Palermo Convention of 2000 and its three protocols as international references in this area. He highlighted that the Public Prosecution has prioritized tackling this type of crime within its criminal policy execution, issuing circulars to prosecutors to combat human trafficking, cybercrimes, drug trafficking, financial corruption, money laundering, and other crimes related to transnational gangs.
Blawi reported an increase in requests for international judicial cooperation, noting that Moroccan public prosecutors received 320 international judicial requests from 35 countries in 2024, a 23% increase compared to 2023. Moroccan judicial authorities also issued 90 extradition requests to foreign jurisdictions, alongside implementing other measures as part of international judicial cooperation.
He concluded his speech by affirming the need to enhance international cooperation, develop national legal frameworks, and intensify ongoing training for law enforcement agencies, stressing that addressing transnational organized crime requires flexible mechanisms, strong partnerships, and the exchange of expertise among nations to keep pace with the rapid developments in criminal methods and forms.
