Digital finance experts are sounding the alarm over the increasing number of scams and fraud cases linked to cryptocurrency trading, some escalating to kidnapping and ransom, as highlighted by the recent arrest of a French-Moroccan national in Morocco.
The suspect is believed to have been planning a series of kidnappings targeting cryptocurrency traders in France.
This arrest, which earned praise from French authorities, demonstrated the strength of judicial and security cooperation between Rabat and Paris, particularly in confronting emerging forms of digitally-organized crime.
Tolong support kita ya,
Cukup klik ini aja: https://indonesiacrowd.com/support-bonus/
According to AFP (Agence France-Presse), France has seen a notable rise in crypto-related kidnappings since January 2025, coinciding with a major spike in cryptocurrency values following Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Badr Blaj, a financial expert specializing in digital currencies, told that crypto scams are a global phenomenon, and Moroccans are not immune. “Based on documented complaints, total losses from crypto fraud are estimated at over $11 billion,” Blaj said, referencing U.S. reports such as those from the FBI, which put the number even higher at $13 billion.
Blaj pointed to a persistent legal vacuum in Morocco that leaves consumers exposed. He cited the popularity of “Rug Pull Scams”—fraudulent schemes in which fake cryptocurrencies are launched to mimic popular ones, luring victims into investing before vanishing with the funds.
Some fraudsters take their schemes offline by establishing direct personal relationships with victims, convincing them to invest and promising fake profits to attract larger sums. In more serious cases, cybercriminals attempt to access victims’ digital wallets or force them to reveal sensitive information—sometimes resorting to kidnapping, as seen in several European cases.
Due to the lack of legal clarity, many victims in Morocco hesitate to report scams out of fear of legal repercussions or simply because they feel unprotected by the system. Blaj emphasized the urgent need for a national reporting platform for online scams, similar to those in the United States, where users can report fraudulent activity transparently.
He also noted that average users can evaluate the legitimacy of crypto projects using technical tools, such as checking market capitalization, liquidity, token distribution, and other economic indicators.
Cybersecurity expert Hassan Kharjouj warned of the false promises of easy money promoted by influencers and fake coaches who sell training courses claiming to teach “how to get rich from crypto.” These schemes often target young people, some of whom abandon school in pursuit of wealth, only to fall into the trap of scam networks and extortion rings.
Kharjouj warned that while most violent crimes related to crypto (like kidnapping) are more common in Eastern Europe, similar threats have already reached France and Belgium, suggesting that Morocco should remain vigilant.
Although Morocco has made strides in regulating parts of the digital economy, both experts agreed that serious legislative gaps remain regarding consumer protection in cryptocurrency trading. They urge the government to pass laws criminalizing digital fraud, protect investors, and establish a national cyber fraud monitoring body.
The post
Cryptocurrencies in Morocco: Between promises of fast profits and a surge in scams and ransom Crimes
appeared first on
English – Morocco News
.
