Morocco arrests 30 suspects in baby trafficking ring

The source did not disclose the specific number of babies trafficked in the raid by Moroccan security forces. (Source: Morocco World News)

The arrests took place on January 30 and 31 as part of a joint operation between the Judicial Police and Morocco's Internal Intelligence Service (DGST).

Morocco World News quoted a security source as saying that the suspects included 18 security guards, a doctor, two nurses, several other medical staff and a middleman. The number of babies trafficked was not disclosed.

According to preliminary data from the investigation, some suspects are suspected of acting as intermediaries in the sale of newborn babies from single mothers to families who want to adopt abandoned children. Other suspects are believed to have been involved in extorting money from patients and their families in exchange for appointments, diagnoses or examinations, as well as issuing medical certificates with false information.

Searching the homes of the security guards, Moroccan authorities also seized prescription drugs, drugs not for sale, medical equipment and a large sum of money.

The police have detained all the arrested suspects for further investigation to determine all the criminal acts attributed to the suspects as well as arrest possible accomplices involved in the crime.