Massage Parlor Owner in Ouarzazate Charged with Human Trafficking

Arrest and Charges

A woman who owns and manages a massage and physical therapy centre in Ouarzazate has been charged with human trafficking and repeatedly preparing the premises for prostitution. Moroccan authorities said Thursday that she has been placed in pretrial detention.

Details of the Allegations

The suspect, identified by the initials N.W., was brought before the prosecutor general at the Ouarzazate Court of Appeal by the city’s regional judicial police. The move is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged sexual exploitation at the establishment located in the Al Quds neighbourhood. After questioning, the prosecutor general ordered her detention at Ouarzazate local prison and referred her case to the court’s criminal chamber for trial under the law.

According to the preliminary investigation, the suspect admitted to routinely using the massage premises for sexual activity and prostitution, saying she managed the business and earned as much as 5,000 Moroccan dirhams ($500) a day from those activities. She also acknowledged exploiting her employees’ poverty and vulnerable social circumstances to indirectly pressure them into engaging in sexual activity on the premises. The investigation states that she kept the proceeds while paying each employee a monthly salary of no more than 2,500 dirhams.

Attempted Flight and Additional Suspect

The suspect reportedly told investigators that she tried to flee Morocco after learning that police had raided the premises. Border police arrested her at Agadir Al Massira Airport as she attempted to travel to France, acting on a nationwide wanted notice.

A second suspect, identified as A.B., who is alleged to have assisted N.W. in managing the establishment, had previously been arrested and charged with involvement in the same alleged offences. She, too, was placed in pretrial detention at Ouarzazate local prison.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation continues under the supervision of the public prosecutor’s office and local security services, with the aim of identifying and arresting any other individuals suspected of involvement. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.