The Royal Gendarmerie Speeds Up Investigations with Dismissed Municipal Officials Due to Violations
In recent months, the National Gendarmerie has intensified its investigations related to several local council heads and elected officials who have previously been dismissed by administrative courts, based on reports prepared by committees from the General Inspection of Territorial Administration.
Informed sources indicated that Gendarmerie investigators have questioned dozens of former officials since the end of last year after summoning them to the Gendarmerie detachment in various regions, including Berrechid, Bouskoura, Sidi Kacem, and Sidi Slimane, to request additional documents and clarify issues with municipal employees and officials regarding several pending cases.
The same sources clarified that the Public Prosecutors have tasked the National Gendarmerie to deepen the inquiries into files referred to the “Financial Crimes” chambers in the Courts of Appeal, concerning past and current management periods of municipal council heads, their deputies, and advisors who were responsible for local administrative affairs.
The investigations encompass issues related to manipulation in building permits, compliance certificates, and urban violation reports, alongside suspicions of granting illegal tax exemptions, particularly regarding the taxation of undeveloped urban land. The scrutiny has also extended to potential violations in managing public contracts and request forms, as well as allegations of extortion against some contractors.
These investigations continue to uncover responsibilities and arrange possible prosecutions in cases presented to the competent judiciary.
