The suspects were contacting their victims by telephone, impersonating police officers, making them believe that they had arrested a family member in a criminal case or following a traffic accident with injuries, before asking them for money transfers for the release of the so-called arrested person, according to a statement by the national police (DGSN).

Research and investigations carried out revealed that the suspects were using false identity documents that they obtained through fraudulent channels from persons with disabilities under the pretext of helping them financially, the same source added, stating that they used these documents in acts of fraud in several Moroccan cities.

Checking operations showed that two of them were subject to national wanted notices for fraud and theft in Rabat, Safi, Tetouan and Casablanca, the statement said, noting that searches resulted in the seizure of three vehicles, forged identity documents and driver's licences, as well as mobile phone chips and large sums of money allegedly made from these acts of fraud.

 The suspects were placed in police custody to complete the investigation conducted under the supervision of the competent prosecutor's office to determine the ins and outs of this case, as well as all the criminal acts of which the individuals are accused, the statement concluded.