Dutch-Moroccan Police Sergeant Prosecuted for Spying for Morocco

Wilders brought up the issue of conflicting loyalties some time ago. Moroccan law states that no citizen can drop their Moroccan citizenship although they can hold dual citizenship. Wilders questioned whether Dutch parliamentarians and lawmakers should be allowed to hold dual citizenship with countries outside of the EU. That their dual status could pose a conflict of interest. The figure is something like 75-85% of Muslim immigrants hold dual citizenship. Germany has ended the right to hold two passports for its Turkish citizens. When the person reaches 21 they are to choose between the two. The Dutch on the other hand - consider such discussions racist ~ have left themselves exposed. Turkey recently invited prominent members of the Turkish diaspora for a meeting in Istanbul ~ where they were openly called on to represent Turkey's interests in their adopted countries ~ some of which are parliamentary members for example in Germany.

On a stranger note ~ both the Turkish and Moroccan governments present the Dutch government with an official list of [Islamic] names that the respective immigrants are allowed to name their children. Is weird the word!

Video in Dutch:

18-09-2008: Earlier this week, the Dutch current affairs programme NOVA reported that former police sergeant Ré Lemhaouli passed on confidential police information to the Moroccan secret service. A number of Dutch citizens of Moroccan origin later told the media that the Moroccan secret service had attempted to recruit them. The Dutch parliament will hold an emergency debate on the issue next week.

The big question is what does the Moroccan government want?

The Moroccan agent in Rotterdam two years ago was dismissed because he had spied for Morocco, but next week in court.

Prosecutor accuses the man of official corruption and breach of confidentiality. This appears from the summons that the television program Nova in hand.

Access

The agent had access to several secret police systems. It was from these records that for two years he passed the information on to the Moroccan embassy in exchange for money.

The espionage activities have lasted just over two years. It came to light because the AIVD had received a tip about the man. After the tip of the AIVD warned the police of Rotterdam. That has him following a private investigation dismissed for "serious dereliction of duty".

Press

According to his lawyer began with the agent after spy during a trip to Morocco physically and mentally was put under heavy pressure. His family was contacted thereto.

The Rotterdam agent was known for his resignation as a successful Moroccan Dutchman. He was involved in a training project for disadvantaged youngsters.

Prior to his arrest, Mr Lemhaouli was held up as an example of a member of the Moroccan immigrant community who had successfully integrated into Dutch society.

AMSTERDAM, 02/04/10 - Rotterdam police officer Re Lemhaouli, who spied for Morocco, is being prosecuted for official corruption and violation of his confidentiality duty.

TV programme NOVA has obtained the indictment. The case is piquant because two years ago, Re L. was applauded by the cabinet and even the Royal Family as an exemplary immigrant.

In the TV programme, his lawyer J. van Riet said Re Lemhaouli spied under pressure from the Moroccan authorities. He is said to have been physically and psychologically maltreated on a trip to Morocco.

The case got underway after the AIVD secret service received a tip-off in spring of 2008 that the Moroccan-Dutch police officer was said to be passing on police information to the Moroccan secret service. The case led to a diplomatic row, in which Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen expelled two Moroccan diplomats from the country.

The officer appeared in the first instance to be getting away with just dismissal. Later, the Public Prosecutor's Office after all launched an investigation, which has now resulted in prosecution. The first session will take place in the district court in The Hague on 8 April.

According to NOVA, the indictment accuses the man of passing on information from various secret police systems to a contact person at the Moroccan embassy from February 2006 to March 2008. Information is said to have been passed on about at least four people.

The secret agent was the initiator of a project in which Rotterdam Airport in partnership with various companies and the Rotterdam police provided a training course for young Moroccans as airport staff. The project received the support of Princess Maxima and was even named after her: Project Maxima.

Re L. sat next to the wife of the Crown Prince in February 2008 during the presentation of diplomas. On his other side sat Vice-Premier Andre Rouvoet, who said in a speech that "here today 57 youngsters are smiling with pride, especially thanks to the energetic approach of project leader Re Lemhaouli"

NOS, NIS, RNW, NOVA