A fraudulent account impersonating Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch was discovered, promoting a fake cryptocurrency. This incident follows a similar case reported by Bank Al-Maghrib involving the misuse of its identity. Both entities have alerted the public, urging vigilance against scams while highlighting the growth of cryptocurrency in Morocco, where holders have reached 6 million by 2024.
The Office of the Head of Government in Morocco has issued a warning regarding a fake account on X (formerly Twitter) impersonating Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. This account has been promoting a fraudulent Moroccan cryptocurrency, leading officials to raise alerts in order to protect the public from potential scams. The office stated, “The only official account reporting the activities of the Head of Government… on platform X is: @ChefGov_ma.”
This alert follows a similar incident reported by Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM), Morocco’s central bank, where scammers produced fake media impersonating BAM’s identity and its Governor. This deceitful content advertised a non-existent investment platform with false promises of guaranteed returns. Both the Head of Government’s office and BAM act quickly to inform the public and uphold the integrity of their communications.
In light of these scams, Akhannouch’s office has urged citizens and social media users to remain vigilant against fake accounts and rely only on information from official sources. Likewise, BAM has affirmed its right to pursue legal actions to protect its reputation and rights from identity misuse. These events highlight an increasing trend of sophisticated digital fraud targeting Moroccan government entities.
Cryptocurrency’s evolution in Morocco has been marked by significant changes in recent years. In 2017, the government banned cryptocurrency transactions citing concerns over money laundering. However, by 2019, around 3.5 million Moroccans had invested in various digital currencies, showcasing a surge in crypto interest. As of 2023, Morocco was identified as the 13th highest Bitcoin-using country globally, with its presence in the crypto space continuing to grow despite regulatory challenges.
By 2024, the number of Moroccan cryptocurrency holders reached 6 million, amounting to approximately 16% of the population, according to HelloSafe data. Additionally, Bank Al-Maghrib’s Governor Abdellatif Jouahri has announced plans for a comprehensive regulatory framework by the end of the year, which could further shape the country’s cryptocurrency landscape.
The emergence of a fraudulent account impersonating the Moroccan Prime Minister highlights the rising sophistication of digital scams targeting public figures. Prompt warnings from both the Head of Government’s office and Bank Al-Maghrib emphasize the need for vigilance among citizens. The ongoing evolution of cryptocurrency in Morocco, amidst regulatory challenges, reflects a growing interest and adoption within the nation. With a significant increase in crypto users and a regulatory framework on the horizon, Morocco’s position in the digital currency landscape is expected to solidify further.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
