According to information revealed by RTL.fr, Morocco and Algeria are the main destinations where individuals wanted by French justice are believed to be hiding.
A confidential note from the French Central Office for the Fight against Organized Crime (OCLCO), dated May 4 and consulted by RTL, indicates that 218 fugitives sought by France are believed to be located in Morocco, while 124 are thought to be in Algeria. They are followed by Israel (87), Tunisia (59), and the United Arab Emirates (48).
This ranking was compiled by the National Fugitive Search Brigade (BNRF) after analyzing 3,600 active Interpol Red Notices on the I-24/7 platform. Investigators note that the evolution of organized crime now allows some convicted or wanted individuals to continue managing illegal activities from abroad.
The report highlights that Morocco hosts a large proportion of drug-related fugitives: around 49% of those believed to be there are wanted for narcotics trafficking. In addition, 27% are linked to other forms of organized crime, and 11% to economic or financial offenses.
In Algeria, the profile is different: nearly half (47%) are wanted for ordinary criminal offenses, while 25% are linked to organized crime and 21% to drug-related offenses.
The note also underlines distinct patterns depending on destination countries. Israel and the United Arab Emirates, for example, are described as preferred destinations for fugitives involved in financial and economic crimes. These account for 38% of cases in the UAE and as much as 91% in Israel.
Beyond the top five, other countries listed include Turkey (41 Red Notices), the United Kingdom (34), the United States (20), Senegal (21), followed by Serbia and Thailand (17 each).
Investigators also stress that extradition remains limited in many countries, particularly when it concerns their own nationals. As a result, the French National Police Directorate (DNPJ) has developed a list of priority targets to focus investigative efforts and identify ways to reduce the sense of impunity among fugitives.
Morocco Algeria France criminal refuge countries
