Former Moroccan spy reportedly offered Spain intelligence information in bid to avoid extradition

Former Moroccan intelligence officer Mehdi Hijaouy approached Spanish authorities in the summer of 2024, offering them intelligence information in exchange for protection from potential extradition to his homeland. Hijaouy, who had been exiled from Morocco following a dispute with fellow intelligence operatives, initially sought refuge in France but later moved to Spain due to safety concerns for himself and his family.

Seeking to avoid extradition to the United States, Hijaouy consulted a lawyer familiar with Carvajal's case in his attempts to prevent extradition.

The former Moroccan agent claimed to possess sensitive knowledge about Morocco's intelligence services operations, which he was prepared to share with Spanish law enforcement. His offer reached the Audiencia Nacional, Spain's highest court, through an intermediary. In an email dated October 7, 2024, Hijaouy formally presented his proposal to the prosecutor's office, led by Jesús Alonso.

The email contained details about the alleged use of Pegasus spyware to target Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, as well as information on terrorism and organized crime.

However, the prosecutor's office informed Hijaouy on October 28 that the information could only be relayed to the investigating judge, as the Pegasus case was already under judicial review. Despite this, Hijaouy's offer did not reach Judge José Luis Calama. Unable to secure cooperation from Spanish authorities, Hijaouy began considering alternative destinations.

He reportedly contemplated moving to Canada or Algeria, among other countries, before ultimately departing Spain. Hijaouy eventually left the country by ship and private plane, eventually reaching Turkey. From there, he continued on to an unknown destination, leaving his current whereabouts uncertain.