Authorities in Al Hoceima, northern Morocco, have arrested a man in his twenties accused of managing WhatsApp groups used to share baccalaureate exam answers in exchange for money.
The arrest was announced on Thursday by the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Al Hoceima Court of First Instance. It marks a significant step in Morocco’s broader efforts to combat digital exam cheating, particularly as the 2025 national school-leaving exams commence.
The suspect was allegedly running an organised network that offered paid services to help students cheat during one of the country’s most important academic milestones.
WhatsApp exam fraud uncovered during digital surveillance operation
The suspect was apprehended earlier this week by the regional unit of the judicial police, following a targeted operation to monitor online platforms for baccalaureate-related fraud.
Investigators believe he managed several private WhatsApp groups where he distributed exam answers to students in exchange for money transfers.
A legally sanctioned search of the suspect’s residence uncovered multiple electronic devices, including smartphones and laptops, believed to have been used to run the scheme. These materials are now being analysed as part of the ongoing investigation.
The suspect is currently in custody under the supervision of the Al Hoceima Court of First Instance, while authorities continue their efforts to track down other individuals connected to the cheating network.
National crackdown on tech-fueled baccalaureate cheating
This arrest is just one of several actions taken across Morocco as part of a nationwide clampdown on exam fraud during the 2025 baccalaureate session. In a separate case in Agadir, seven people, including students, private tutors, and university students, were arrested for facilitating cheating using wireless communication tools.
Authorities raided an apartment used as a command center where answers were being sent to candidates mid-exam. Confiscated items included mobile phones, cash, computers, and proof of financial transactions, indicating that a larger, organised operation was in play.
Despite new restrictions and technologies, such as electronic scanners and reinforced security at exam centers, cheating networks continue to find ways to exploit loopholes, often operating entirely online and out of sight of school authorities.
495,000 students sit for Morocco’s 2025 baccalaureate exams
The crackdown comes as 495,395 students across Morocco, including over 110,000 independent candidates, began sitting for their 2025 baccalaureate exams this week.
To ensure fairness, the Ministry of Education has deployed more than 50,000 proctors across nearly 2,000 testing centers.
While officials insist that exam procedures are strict, reports of photos of exam papers surfacing online shortly after the tests began have raised fresh concerns. A ministry representative clarified that such incidents occurred after official envelopes were opened, not before, distinguishing them from what would be considered actual exam “leaks.”
Legal consequences for exam cheating in Morocco
Under Law 02.13, individuals found guilty of leaking or facilitating the leak of exam content may face prison sentences ranging from three months to two years, or fines between MAD 1,000 and MAD 20,000. Candidates caught using banned electronic devices or exchanging information during the exam risk penalties of up to MAD 5,000.
Authorities say investigations will continue until all suspects are identified and brought to justice. The Ministry has promised transparency and vigilance as students await results on June 14. A makeup session is scheduled for July 3 to 7, with final results to be released by July 12.
