Moroccan Contractor Sentenced for Defrauding Earthquake Victims

A contractor was sentenced to three years in prison for defrauding 34 earthquake victims in Morocco, after collecting 20,000 dirhams from each individual for a non-existent reconstruction program. The court also ordered him to pay damages of 30,000 dirhams to each victim. His arrest followed a search prompted by the growing number of complaints.

The Taroudant Court of First Instance has sentenced a contractor to three years in prison for his actions of defrauding victims affected by the Al Haouz earthquake. Additionally, the court has ordered the contractor to pay 30,000 dirhams in compensation to each of the 34 victims involved in the case. This decision was reached after the court evaluated the evidence and testimonies provided by the victims.

The fraudulent activities of the contractor were revealed following a series of complaints from individuals devastated by the earthquake that occurred on September 8, 2023. Victims reported that the contractor falsely collected 20,000 dirhams from each person, promising to assist in a reconstruction program that ultimately never materialized. He neglected his contractual obligations, disappeared, and left the families with no support in rebuilding their lives.

As grievances multiplied, a national search warrant was issued for the contractor, who had evaded authorities after receiving the payments. Investigations conducted by the Royal Gendarmerie led to his eventual apprehension in a village near the Aoulouz community at the beginning of January, thereby bringing an end to his deceptive practices.

The sentencing of the contractor to three years in prison serves as a critical reminder of the importance of accountability in post-disaster recovery efforts. By failing to fulfill promises made to earthquake victims, he not only inflicted financial harm but also eroded trust in emergency response initiatives. The decision to mandate monetary restitution highlights the legal system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation.

Original Source: en.yabiladi.com