Major Cybersecurity Breach in Moroccan Intelligence
The ongoing cyber conflict between Morocco and Algeria has escalated with a recent incident that has sent shockwaves through the Moroccan security establishment. On August 24, the pro-Algerian hacking group, Jabaroot, took to social media to disclose what they claim are the names and identities of 70,000 individuals associated with Moroccan security and intelligence services, including spies. While Moroccan media outlets are downplaying the seriousness of this data leak, reports from Spanish journalists suggest that these hackers are continuing to pose significant challenges to the Moroccan government.
According to the Spanish news site El Confidencial, the hackers released the sensitive information on Telegram, labeling it as a "gift" to Europe, particularly targeting Spain. They accused Moroccan security officials of facilitating the surge of migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta at the end of July, an event that has drawn considerable attention and criticism.
In addition to the extensive list of names, Jabaroot also published a second document containing the ranks and banking details of 1,400 Moroccan security agents. Although the accuracy of this information is contested, several former Moroccan intelligence officers have corroborated that some of the names listed indeed belong to figures within the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST), which is responsible for internal security.
This incident is being described as one of the most significant security breaches that Moroccan authorities have ever faced. The hackers have specifically targeted Abdellatif Hammouchi, the head of both the National Security Directorate (DGSN) and the DGST, accusing him of orchestrating controversial security operations in Ceuta without direct approval from King Mohammed VI.
Repeated Attacks and Ongoing Tensions
Allegations from the hacker group suggest that the Moroccan agents whose identities have been revealed are deployed across Europe to conduct espionage operations, although these claims remain unverified. Nonetheless, El Confidencial previously hinted at the potential involvement of Moroccan intelligence in the Ceuta crisis.
In response to the leak, Moroccan news outlet Médias24 has asserted that Jabaroot's claims regarding the publication of 70,000 spies are exaggerated. They argue that the compilation of leaked data appears to be a rehash of previously compromised information, suggesting a strategic effort to create the illusion of a new revelation through the aggregation of already known identities.
Spanish outlet Demócrata has further explored the enigmatic background of the Jabaroot hacking group, which has been linked to both Algerian interests and Spanish intelligence agencies. It has been reported that this group has previously created significant turmoil for Moroccan authorities through earlier data leaks.
In the first half of 2025, Morocco faced a staggering 20.7 million attempted cyber intrusions, a substantial number of which are attributed to the actions of Jabaroot, including the sporadic release of documents detailing the extravagant property purchases made by high-ranking Moroccan officials and their families.
As reported by courrierinternational.com.
