Network Suspected of Organizing Irregular Migration Dismantled off Tan-Tan Coast, Three Arrested

Moroccan authorities say they have disrupted a network suspected of organizing irregular migration from the southern coast, arresting three people in Tan-Tan aged between 21 and 40.

The arrests followed field investigations by the maritime royal gendarmerie after officers thwarted an attempted sea crossing. Investigators identified several people suspected of links to the network before arresting them in Tan-Tan’s urban area.

During the operation, authorities seized several vehicles believed to have been used to transport people seeking irregular migration, as well as mobile phones and bladed weapons. The investigation remains open as authorities work to identify any other possible participants and determine the roles allegedly played by those arrested.

The case is connected to the interception of an inflatable boat by the coast guard off Tan-Tan on the morning of Aug. 20. The boat had reportedly left the coast of Tiznit and was heading toward the Spanish islands with several prospective migrants aboard. The developments coincided with the thwarting of another attempted irregular-migration crossing at sea on Friday morning.