Contractor Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Earthquake Victims in Morocco

The Taroudant Court sentenced a contractor to three years in prison for defrauding Al Haouz earthquake victims, alongside a compensation order of 30,000 dirhams for each of the 34 victims. The contractor had collected 20,000 dirhams from individuals as part of a reconstruction scheme but failed to deliver any services before disappearing. He was subsequently apprehended by the Royal Gendarmerie after a national search ensued due to growing victim complaints.

The Taroudant Court of First Instance has convicted a contractor to three years imprisonment due to defrauding victims impacted by the Al Haouz earthquake. In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered the contractor to compensate each of the 34 victims with 30,000 dirhams.

This case arose from complaints by individuals in the Taroudant province, who alleged that the contractor solicited 20,000 dirhams from each victim under the pretense of including them in a reconstruction initiative for areas ravaged by the earthquake that struck on September 8, 2023. The contractor failed to fulfill his commitments and subsequently vanished.

Victim testimonies indicated that after obtaining the advance payments, the contractor ceased communication and left the affected families without any progress on reconstruction. As the number of complaints increased, law enforcement initiated a national search, discovering that he had implemented fraud against 34 families.

Following a thorough investigation, members of the Royal Gendarmerie tracked him down in a village near the Aoulouz community, where he was apprehended in early January. This case underscores the necessity for vigilance and accountability during disaster recovery initiatives.

In conclusion, the conviction and sentencing of the contractor for defrauding Al Haouz earthquake victims reflects the judicial system’s commitment to upholding justice. The court’s decision to mandate compensation emphasizes the need for responsible stewardship in reconstruction efforts following natural disasters. This case serves as a cautionary tale regarding the prevalence of fraud in vulnerable situations and the importance of seeking justice.

Original Source: en.yabiladi.com