Algeria announces the arrest of 67 Moroccans in Oran

On Saturday, May 2, the Algerian police reported the arrest of 67 Moroccan nationals in Oran, labeling them as irregular migrants. The operation also resulted in the capture of «10 organizers» of the crossing, though their nationalities remain undisclosed.

According to the Algerian police, «the investigation conducted by the first division of the criminal police, under the supervision of the competent prosecutor's office, successfully identified network members and their modus operandi. The operation relied on gathering and transporting candidates for clandestine emigration».

Initially, law enforcement detained three suspected organizers along with 51 Moroccan nationals, who were intercepted in several vehicles and a bus en route to a departure point on a beach in Oran province. A subsequent raid on a dwelling used to house the migrants led to the arrest of seven more alleged network members and an additional 16 Moroccan nationals.

The operation also seized 1,400 euros, 1,080 dirhams, two pairs of binoculars, and ten various vehicles used for the network's logistics. Those apprehended were brought before the public prosecutor at the Filaoussen court, the police noted.

Algerian authorities frequently accuse Morocco of being a source of irregular immigration, drug trafficking, and currency counterfeiting.

Back in January 2024, Algerian police had already announced the arrest of 25 Moroccans involved in forming an irregular immigration network.