Moroccan Contractor Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Earthquake Victims

A contractor in Morocco has been sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to compensate 34 earthquake victims after defrauding them of 20,000 dirhams each. Complaints from victims led to a national search warrant following the contractor’s disappearance, revealing his fraudulent schemes. He was ultimately apprehended by the Royal Gendarmerie in January.

A Moroccan contractor has been sentenced to three years in prison by the Taroudant Court of First Instance for defrauding individuals affected by the Al Haouz earthquake. Additionally, the court ordered him to pay 30,000 dirhams as compensation to each of the 34 victims who were involved in the case. This judgment highlights the consequences of exploiting vulnerable individuals in times of disaster.

The fraudulent activities of the contractor came to light after victims began voicing their complaints. Following the earthquake on September 8, 2023, the contractor misled the victims by collecting 20,000 dirhams from each individual under the pretense of funding their reconstruction. After taking the payments, he failed to fulfill his obligations and subsequently disappeared, prompting victims to pursue justice through legal channels.

Victims’ testimonies confirmed that the contractor not only failed to carry out the promised reconstruction work but also vanished after receiving payment. This left the affected families without any progress or financial recourse to rebuild their lives after the disaster. The increasing number of complaints led to a national search warrant being issued for his arrest.

Ultimately, investigators from the Royal Gendarmerie tracked the contractor down to a village near Aoulouz, where he was apprehended in early January. The investigation revealed that the contractor had deceived 34 families, taking significant sums of money under fraudulent pretenses. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation after catastrophes.

In conclusion, the sentencing of the contractor serves as a critical reminder of the legal repercussions for those who exploit vulnerable earthquake victims. The court’s decision not only provides justice to the affected families but also sends a clear message against similar fraudulent activities. The case emphasizes the importance of accountability and vigilance in disaster recovery efforts.

Original Source: en.yabiladi.com