A British woman has reportedly been raped by a fake tour guide who lured her to a secluded beach spot near the popular Moroccan resort of Taghazout before fleeing on horseback.
The unnamed victim told authorities she was attacked near a hotel on Taghazout beach, in the Agadir Ida-Outanane area, after being approached by a man posing as a legitimate tour guide.
The suspect allegedly rode up on horseback and falsely introduced himself before engaging the woman in conversation, according to local media reports.
Lured to Isolated Location
The fake guide reportedly offered to take the tourist to a scenic spot along the beach from the popular tourist village of Taghazout, a former fishing village that has become Morocco’s premier surfing destination.
Once they reached an isolated area, the man is said to have turned on the lone woman and raped her before galloping away on his horse.
The traumatised victim managed to make her way back to safety and immediately reported the assault to her travel companions and hotel staff.
Swift Police Response
Local police launched an active search for the alleged rapist after receiving the complaint. Authorities swept the area extensively, interviewing witnesses and people nearby whilst interrogating horse owners along the coast.
The investigation led to a successful arrest after police conducted systematic checks of individuals matching the suspect’s description.
A police background check on the detained suspect revealed he had a criminal record of similar cases, local media reported.
Court Identification
The suspect was brought before the victim in court, where she immediately identified him as her alleged attacker.
He was subsequently placed in police custody pending further investigation into the serious allegations.
The case highlights ongoing safety concerns for tourists in Morocco, particularly women travelling alone or becoming separated from their groups.
Taghazout’s Tourism Boom
Taghazout, located approximately 18 kilometres north of Agadir, has transformed from a sleepy Berber fishing village into Morocco’s surfing capital and a trendy beach resort destination.
The area attracts thousands of international tourists annually, drawn by its world-class surf breaks, bohemian atmosphere and year-round sunshine. The resort has seen significant development in recent years, with luxury hotels including the Fairmont Taghazout Bay opening in 2021.
National Geographic recently described Taghazout as having “quietly transformed into an eco-conscious capital of cool,” whilst noting it has long attracted “free spirits, surfers, and backpackers thanks to its bohemian vibe.”
Safety Concerns in Morocco
Whilst Morocco is generally considered a secure destination for tourists, the incident raises questions about safety measures for solo travellers, particularly women.
The last major terrorist attack in Morocco occurred in 2011, when 17 people were killed in a bombing at a restaurant in Marrakesh. However, in December 2018, two Scandinavian tourists, Louisa Vesterager Jespersen from Denmark and Maren Ueland from Norway, were murdered whilst camping in the Atlas Mountains near Imlil.
The British Foreign Office advises travellers to Morocco to exercise caution, particularly noting that “muggings have occurred when travellers were walking on deserted beaches and poorly lit streets at night.”
Tourist Scams and False Guides
Morocco has long struggled with issues of fake guides and tourist scams, particularly in popular destinations like Marrakesh, Fez and coastal resorts.
Unofficial guides often approach tourists offering tours or assistance, though most incidents involve overcharging or leading tourists to specific shops for commissions rather than violent crime.
Local authorities have attempted to crack down on unlicensed guides, but the practice remains common in tourist areas.
Similar Case in France
The Morocco incident comes after another British tourist was allegedly raped by a policeman whilst handcuffed in a police car in France earlier this month.
The 37-year-old woman filed a complaint on September 10 stating she was detained by three officers for “obvious drunkenness” in Aubagne, near Marseille.
She claimed that whilst handcuffed in the back of the police vehicle, one officer sat next to her, kissed her and then “penetrated her.”
French Officer Charged
Following the complaint, French authorities moved swiftly to investigate the allegations. One officer has been charged with “rape and sexual assault by a person abusing the authority conferred on them by their position” and remains in police custody.
A second officer was charged with “willful failure to prevent a crime or offence against the integrity of a person” and placed under judicial supervision.
A third officer has been given assisted witness status, meaning they are implicated but there is insufficient evidence for formal indictment.
The Marseille public prosecutor’s office opened an inquiry, with the case being investigated by France’s police watchdog, the Inspection Générale de la Police Nationale (IGPN).
Travel Safety Advice
The UK Foreign Office maintains comprehensive travel advice for Morocco, recommending travellers exercise caution and remain vigilant.
Women travelling alone are advised to dress modestly, avoid isolated areas, and be particularly cautious after dark. The Foreign Office notes that sexual harassment can occur, though violent sexual assault against tourists remains relatively rare.
Tour operators and hotels typically recommend using only licensed, official guides who can provide proper identification and credentials.
Consular Support
The British Embassy in Rabat, along with consular offices in Marrakesh and Honorary Consuls in Agadir, Marrakech and Tangier, provide support to British nationals in Morocco.
British nationals who are victims of crime in Morocco are advised to report incidents immediately to local police and contact the British Embassy for consular assistance.
The embassy can provide lists of English-speaking lawyers, information about local procedures, and liaison with local authorities, though they cannot interfere in legal proceedings.
Tourism Impact
Morocco’s tourism industry, a vital component of the national economy, has worked to improve safety measures following previous high-profile incidents.
The country received over 14 million tourists in 2024, with British visitors comprising a significant portion of international arrivals.
Agadir and the surrounding coastal region, including Taghazout, remain popular destinations particularly during winter months when European tourists seek warmer climates.
Legal Proceedings
Under Moroccan law, rape is a serious criminal offence that can result in lengthy prison sentences. Morocco maintains the death penalty for the most serious crimes, including multiple murder and rape, though no executions have taken place since 1993.
The Moroccan judicial system has faced criticism from human rights groups regarding its handling of sexual assault cases, though authorities maintain they take such crimes seriously.
Foreign nationals accused of crimes in Morocco are subject to the local legal system, which operates differently from British courts.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the Taghazout beach assault continues, with authorities gathering evidence and witness statements.
Local police have not released additional details about the suspect or victim, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and privacy concerns.
The case has prompted renewed discussions about tourist safety measures and the regulation of informal tour guides in Morocco’s popular coastal destinations.
As the legal proceedings advance, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and caution for tourists, particularly when approached by unofficial guides or when venturing to isolated locations.
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Image Credit:
Fishing boats at Taghazout, Morocco — photo by Ben Mama, licensed under CC BY 2.0
