This article discusses a fraudulent account impersonating Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch on X, which promotes a fake cryptocurrency. It also highlights a similar incident involving Bank Al-Maghrib, emphasizing a trend of sophisticated digital fraud in Morocco. Despite regulatory challenges, cryptocurrency interest in the country is growing, with millions of users.
The Office of the Head of Government of Morocco issued a warning regarding a fraudulent account on X (formerly Twitter) impersonating Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. This account has been promoting a fictitious Moroccan cryptocurrency, raising concerns about potential scams aimed at the public. The office clarified, “The only official account reporting the activities of the Head of Government and the institution of the Head of Government on platform X is: @ChefGov_ma.”
The alert follows a similar announcement from Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM), the central bank of Morocco, which reported the creation of fake media content fraudulently using its identity. This bogus content promoted a false investment platform promising guaranteed returns, further jeopardizing the public. Both institutions have prioritized promptly informing citizens to safeguard official communication integrity.
Prime Minister Akhannouch’s office urged all social media users to exercise heightened vigilance against such impersonations and to rely exclusively on information from official sources. Concurrently, BAM confirmed it would consider legal measures to protect its image against fraudulent identity misuse. These incidents reflect an emerging trend of sophisticated digital scams targeting Moroccan government entities.
In terms of cryptocurrency adoption, Morocco has experienced considerable development over the years. In 2017, the government imposed a comprehensive ban on cryptocurrency transactions due to concerns about money laundering. Despite this prohibition, approximately 3.5 million Moroccans had invested in digital currencies by 2019, indicating a strong interest in crypto.
By 2023, Morocco had become the 13th highest nation globally in Bitcoin usage, as reported by Insider Monkey. Furthermore, Chainalysis positioned Morocco 20th in its global cryptocurrency index, suggesting a growing presence in the digital currency landscape despite regulatory barriers. As of 2024, the number of Moroccan cryptocurrency holders reached 6 million, constituting about 16% of the population, with BAM Governor Abdellatif Jouahri announcing plans for a comprehensive regulatory framework by the end of the year.
The recent impersonation of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch on X highlights the increasing prevalence of digital fraud attempting to exploit the credibility of Moroccan officials. The simultaneous fraudulent activities reported by the central bank indicate a vital need for public awareness and caution. As the interest in cryptocurrency continues to escalate, regulatory measures are anticipated to address these emerging challenges. The Moroccan government’s efforts to safeguard its image and ensure public trust are essential in this evolving digital landscape.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
