HIBAPRESS
The Moroccan Association for the Defense of Consumer Rights has expressed its deep concern regarding the illegal practices employed by some real estate developers, known as "Nawar" or off-the-books payments, which impose financial sums on citizens outside the legal framework of contracts.
Ali Shtour, President of the Association and a member of the Moroccan University of Consumer Rights, affirmed in a statement to the newspaper "HIBAPRESS" that these behaviors represent a blatant violation of the laws in force and undermine the principles of transparency and integrity in real estate transactions. Shtour pointed out that these practices not only harm the consumer by burdening them with unjustified additional costs and depriving them of their legal rights, but also constitute a form of tax evasion that deprives the state treasury of essential financial resources that contribute to the financing of economic and social development projects. He explained that Consumer Protection Law No. 31.08 provides the legal framework to ensure the transparency of transactions and protect consumer rights, especially with regard to accurate information, price clarity, and the prevention of all illegal commercial practices, stressing that this law obliges professionals to respect the rules of integrity and not exploit or mislead the consumer. Shtour emphasized the pivotal role of the consumer in confronting this phenomenon, pointing out the importance of refusing to engage in any illegal financial transaction and demanding contracts and invoices that prove all paid amounts, while reporting any suspicious practices to the competent authorities and seeking the assistance of consumer protection associations when needed. In the same context, he called on officials to take urgent measures to curb this phenomenon, by intensifying monitoring of the real estate sector and imposing strict penalties on violators, strengthening reporting mechanisms and protecting whistleblowers, in addition to launching awareness campaigns to educate citizens about their rights and duties. Shtour concluded his statement by emphasizing that promoting a culture of responsible consumption and establishing the principles of transparency, through cooperation between various actors from institutions, civil society, and citizens, is the best way to eliminate these illegal practices and build a sound and fair real estate market, calling on all citizens to be vigilant and engage positively in combating this phenomenon in a way that serves the public interest and enhances the path of sustainable development in the Kingdom.
