An international investigation has confirmed that Moroccan security authorities spied on French officials, including President Emmanuel Macron and the prime minister [1].
The findings highlight a significant breach of diplomatic trust and national security between two close allies. The scale of the operation suggests a sophisticated effort to gather intelligence on the highest levels of the French government.
According to the reports, the surveillance campaign utilized the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware to infiltrate devices [1]. This digital intrusion was complemented by physical surveillance methods. A source within the Moroccan security services said, "We used hidden cameras inside air conditioning units to expand the surveillance system" [2].
The targets of these operations included not only top government officials but also journalists and activists [1]. The investigation into the use of Pegasus began three years ago [2]. It took five years from the initial discovery of the software's capabilities until the international investigation confirmed the specific involvement of Morocco [2].
The surveillance occurred amidst a period of diplomatic tension between Rabat and Paris [1]. The use of both cyber and physical tools, such as the air conditioning cameras, indicates a multi-layered approach to intelligence gathering on French soil.
French officials, including President Macron and Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, were among those targeted [1]. The reports describe a systematic effort to monitor the communications and movements of these individuals to gain strategic advantages during diplomatic frictions [1].
“"Morocco did indeed spy on French officials"”
The revelation of both digital and physical espionage by Morocco against France signals a breakdown in bilateral security cooperation. By targeting a head of state and prime minister, Morocco has crossed a traditional diplomatic red line, likely complicating future negotiations over regional interests and security partnerships in North Africa.
