In the summer of 2024, a former Moroccan intelligence officer reportedly reached out to associates of Hugo Carvajal, the ex-Venezuelan spy chief, with an unusual proposition: he would share sensitive information with Spanish authorities in exchange for protection from a potential extradition to Morocco. The story, first reported by The Objective, sheds light on the shadowy world of espionage and the lengths to which a fugitive might go to avoid being sent home.
Mehdi Hijaouy, who once served in Morocco's intelligence services, was forced into exile after a falling-out with his former colleagues, according to sources cited by The Objective. At the time of his approach, he was living in France, but he soon moved to Spain, driven by fears for his own safety and that of his family.
Hijaouy turned to a lawyer who had previously been involved in efforts to persuade Carvajal to cooperate with Spanish authorities. Carvajal, a former director of Venezuela's military intelligence agency, was arrested in Spain in 2021 and later extradited to the United States on narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges. The choice of intermediary suggests Hijaouy was seeking a channel that had already navigated the complexities of high-stakes intelligence negotiations.
According to documents obtained by the Spanish newspaper ABC, an email was sent on 7 October 2024 formally presenting Hijaouy's offer to the public prosecutor's office at the Audiencia Nacional, Spain's central criminal court. The former agent claimed he could provide information on how Morocco's intelligence services operate, including details on the use of Pegasus spyware to target Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, as well as intelligence on terrorism and organised crime.
The prosecutor's office responded on 28 October. An assistant to Jesús Alonso, the lead prosecutor, said that since the Pegasus case was already before the courts, the information would need to be passed to the investigating judge. However, according to judicial sources quoted by ABC, the offer never reached Judge José Luis Calama, who is handling the case. The apparent breakdown in communication left Hijaouy's proposal in limbo.
A bid for protection that went nowhere
After failing to secure a deal with Spanish authorities, Hijaouy began considering his options. The Objective reported that he looked into moving to Canada or Algeria, among other countries. His situation highlights the precarious position of intelligence officers who fall out of favour with their own services, often with few safe havens available.
The case also touches on broader European concerns about surveillance and espionage. The alleged use of Pegasus spyware against European leaders, including Pedro Sánchez, has been a point of contention between Spain and Morocco. In 2022, the Spanish government confirmed that the phones of Sánchez and several ministers had been infected with Pegasus, a spyware tool developed by Israeli firm NSO Group. The incident strained diplomatic relations and prompted calls for greater scrutiny of such technologies across the EU.
While Hijaouy's offer was not taken up, it underscores the ongoing tensions in the region. Morocco's intelligence services are known for their reach, and defectors often face significant risks. For Spain, the decision not to engage with Hijaouy may reflect a desire to avoid further complicating an already delicate relationship with its southern neighbour.
The story also resonates with wider debates about intelligence sharing and asylum. In recent years, several former spies have sought refuge in European countries, offering information in exchange for protection. Such cases raise difficult questions about the ethics of trading in secrets and the reliability of defectors' claims.
As of now, Hijaouy's whereabouts remain unclear. His case serves as a reminder of the shadowy dynamics that can play out behind the scenes of international diplomacy, and of the personal costs for those caught in the middle.
