Morocco made significant strides in its fight against money laundering in 2023, reaching a decisive milestone. According to the seventh annual report from the Public Prosecutor's Office, published on March 6, 2025, the country recorded an unprecedented number of rulings in this area, with 134 decisions issued in a single year, Le Matin reports. This progress aligns with Morocco's removal from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list, recognizing national efforts to strengthen its anti-money laundering framework. In 2018, only 59 money laundering cases were processed, compared to 821 in 2023. Over the same period, the number of rulings surged from just 8 to 134, reflecting both the acceleration of legal proceedings and the growing expertise of specialized judges. Several factors have contributed to this progress: a strengthened legislative framework, improved coordination between institutions, and increased international cooperation. The report also underscores the critical role of training programs for judges and investigators, equipping them with specialized skills in financial investigations and illicit fund tracking. A dedicated section of the report highlights the importance of combating money laundering in safeguarding the national economy. The Public Prosecutor's Office considers this issue a top priority, emphasizing the need to deprive criminals of the proceeds of their illicit activities. Morocco's commitment is also evident in its close collaboration with financial institutions and regulators. In 2023, Bank Al-Maghrib and the National Financial Intelligence Authority (ANRF) published the first edition of a practical guide on combating money laundering and terrorist financing, aimed at financial sector professionals. The report further provides an overview of the convictions issued in 2023. Of all rulings, 81% resulted in a conviction, highlighting the judiciary's growing effectiveness in tackling financial crimes. Most sentences ranged from one to two years in prison (37%), while more severe penalties—exceeding two years—remained less common (9%).
