Moroccan authorities have detained a Mauritanian family after intercepting 54kg of undeclared gold at Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport. The case raises questions over diplomatic passports, cross-border gold flows, and customs enforcement.
Moroccan customs officials have referred a Mauritanian family-comprising a couple and their three minor children-to the judicial police after seizing 54 kilograms of gold in their possession at Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport. The incident, confirmed by judicial sources and official investigation records, is among the largest recent gold seizures at the airport.
According to Moroccan media, customs officers intercepted the family on Tuesday evening as they attempted to enter Morocco with a significant quantity of raw gold. The operation was triggered by surveillance teams who noticed the family's movements coincided with those of other Mauritanian travelers arriving from Dubai and heading to Nouakchott, particularly near the international transit area's restrooms.
Customs Suspicion and Discovery of Concealed Gold
Customs agents became suspicious of a possible handover or exchange of goods between the travelers. The family proceeded through the green customs channel, reserved for passengers with nothing to declare, and initially denied carrying any declarable items.
When asked to submit to a search, the family first refused, citing their Mauritanian diplomatic passports. Moroccan authorities then notified the Mauritanian consulate in Casablanca, which sent a representative to the airport. After receiving instructions from the public prosecutor, the family agreed to a body search in the consular representative's presence. Authorities discovered gold bars and coins hidden in their clothing.
The official inventory recorded 53 gold bars, each weighing one kilogram, and four gold coins totaling one kilogram-amounting to 54 kilograms in total. The head of the family was also found carrying four bank cards, including three Mastercards and one issued by the Mauritanian National Bank.
Family Statements and Disputed Flight Route
During questioning, the family's head claimed ownership of the gold, stating he was involved in commerce, owned an automotive and transport business, and operated a transport agency in the United Arab Emirates. He said he purchased the gold in stages in the UAE, had it transported to Malaga by an employee, and then collected it there. He admitted distributing the gold among his family members on the flight to Casablanca and helping them conceal it in the transit area.
The wife confirmed she was aware of the gold and had received part of it in the restroom, following her husband's instructions. The children, interviewed in their father's presence, said they were given the gold bars and told not to declare them.
Two other Mauritanian travelers from Dubai denied any involvement, stating their presence near the family was coincidental and their relationship was limited to kinship and prior acquaintance. Surveillance footage reportedly showed the family members entering the restrooms at the same time, but did not capture any explicit exchange of goods.
Valuation Discrepancies and Legal Proceedings
The investigation record indicates the family arrived from Malaga, not directly from Dubai as some media had reported. The gold was allegedly transported from the UAE to Spain before the attempted entry into Morocco.
There is a notable discrepancy in the estimated value of the seized gold. The customs report values it at approximately 74.79 million Moroccan dirhams, with duties and taxes assessed at 17.81 million dirhams. However, some press reports suggest the market value exceeds 135 million dirhams. The basis for these differing valuations remains unclear.
Customs authorities have demanded a total fine of nearly 480.87 million dirhams and have initiated legal proceedings against the family head and any other implicated individuals. Moroccan police have also contacted Mauritania's embassy in Rabat and consulate in Casablanca to verify the diplomatic status of the family, whose head claimed to have served as a Mauritanian parliamentarian from 2013 to 2022. The consulate confirmed he is no longer a deputy but that the family's diplomatic passports remain valid until expiry.
The case remains under investigation by the competent prosecutor's office, with no final judgment issued to date.
Source: saharamedias.net
