Morocco Unveils National Strategy to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing
Strengthening Cooperation and Enhancing Detection
Rabat - Morocco is set to launch a national strategy to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, announced Prime Minister Saad Dine El Othmani at a recent conference on the means to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. The new strategy aims to strengthen cooperation between authorities and enhance the country’s ability to detect and prevent financial crimes.
Corruption Concerns: A Spanish Newspaper Accuses a Moroccan Official of Embezzlement
A recent report by a Spanish newspaper has accused a high-ranking Moroccan official of embezzling funds donated by Morocco to fight extremism in Europe. The official, whose name was not disclosed, allegedly transferred the funds to their personal bank accounts.
Challenges Ahead: Anti-Corruption Strategy Faces Delays
Morocco’s national anti-corruption strategy, launched in 2016, has faced delays in its implementation. According to a recent report, 30 out of 89 projects scheduled for completion by the end of 2018 are still behind schedule.
Efforts to Strengthen Anti-Corruption
Greater Coordination and Targeted Programs
The Moroccan government is seeking greater coordination between institutions to better target priority programs aimed at combating corruption. The country’s anti-corruption strategy aims to rise 17 places in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index by 2021.
Whistleblower Protection Law Underway
The Moroccan government has announced plans to introduce a law protecting public servants who report corruption and another law revising the legal framework for asset declaration. The new legislation is expected to provide greater protections for whistleblowers who risk facing retaliation for reporting corruption.
Monitoring Progress and Strengthening Efforts
National Anti-Corruption Commission’s Role
Morocco’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (CNAC) is set to play a key role in monitoring the implementation of the country’s anti-corruption strategy. The commission, which was established in 2017, will take stock of its work and assess progress made in combating corruption.
Corruption Perception Index Improves
Morocco’s corruption score improved by three points in 2018, according to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). While the improvement is welcome news, many experts argue that the country still has much work to do to implement democracy-enhancing laws and combat corruption.
Key Appointments and International Cooperation
New Head Appointed to Anti-Corruption Authority
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has appointed a new head of the National Anti-Corruption Authority (ICPC), tasked with overseeing anti-corruption policies and promoting good governance. The appointment is seen as a key step in strengthening efforts to combat corruption.
Memorandum of Understanding Signed Between Moroccan and Palestinian Prosecutors’ Offices
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Morocco’s Public Prosecution Office and the Palestine Public Prosecution Office, aimed at developing capacity to fight crime, corruption, money laundering, and terrorism financing. The MoU is expected to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
DGSN Tackles Criminal Networks in 2018
Morocco’s General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) has reported significant progress in tackling criminal networks in 2018. The agency executed 80 international information requests, including those related to drug smuggling and money laundering cases.