Moroccan Airbnd host caught and charged for filming guests

A court in Marrakech sentenced the host of a “luxury” Airbnb villa to 5 years in prison after hidden cameras were spotted in multiple questionable places throughout the room, allegedly filming guests, Hespress reported on July 15th.

The host, a man with both French and Moroccan citizenship, received the prison sentence on July 14th alongside a 500,000-dirham fine. Authorities have since shut down the villa.

The villa was set up as a trap for tourists, with cameras hidden in picture frames strategically placed in the bathrooms, one in particular facing the shower, which captured unsuspecting guests in private moments.

The misconduct was finally exposed when an American guest grew suspicious of one of the shower facing frames that had apparently not been there previously. She investigated further, uncovering a hidden camera with an SD card inside.

The villa was advertised as a luxury retreat, even though the strict rules it operated under should have raised red flags. For example, a housekeeper was present daily from 9 am to 5 pm, a security guard lived in the basement, and guests had to call the owner each time they wanted to enter the property.

The ensuing police investigation revealed the villa was being used for prostitution, with the owner also being involved in trafficking alcohol. According to Moroccan officials, the villa has now been shut down by the police.

Exploitative crimes in Morocco are often of concern for authorities. Maghrebi.org reported the recent arrest of a Moroccan national, in northern Spain, for his participation in an organised human trafficking ring.

The Airbnb case drew national attention due to a viral titktok, and since 7 other victims have come forward, 6 of which are foreigners, with one being Moroccan.

Hespress, Maghrebi.org