Moroccan Contractor Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Earthquake Victims
A Moroccan contractor was sentenced to three years in prison for defrauding 34 victims of the Al Haouz earthquake. He collected 20,000 dirhams from each victim for a reconstruction effort but vanished without delivering any services. In addition to prison time, he was ordered to pay 30,000 dirhams in compensation to each victim.
A Moroccan contractor has been sentenced to three years in prison by the Taroudant Court of First Instance for defrauding victims of the Al Haouz earthquake, which occurred on September 8, 2023. In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered the contractor to pay compensation of 30,000 dirhams to each of the 34 affected victims involved in the case. This legal action came in response to multiple complaints from individuals whose lives were disrupted by the natural disaster.
Victims reported that the contractor had collected 20,000 dirhams from each individual, falsely claiming that the funds would be used to participate in a reconstruction program aimed at repairing the devastation caused by the earthquake. However, the contractor failed to fulfill his promises and disappeared after receiving the payments, prompting the victims to pursue justice. The media outlet Al-Sabah reported on the unfolding events.
As dissatisfaction among the victims mounted, a national search warrant was issued for the contractor. Investigations revealed that he had orchestrated a fraudulent scheme affecting 34 families, ultimately amassing a significant amount of money. The Royal Gendarmerie successfully tracked the contractor’s whereabouts, leading to his apprehension in early January in a village near the Aoulouz community.
In summary, the sentence of three years in prison serves as a critical warning against fraudulent activities targeting vulnerable individuals. The court’s decision to also impose financial restitution on the contractor emphasizes the importance of accountability. The case highlights the severe consequences that can arise when individuals exploit disaster victims seeking assistance and recovery.
Original Source: en.yabiladi.com
