The investigation into the mass crossings into Ceuta at the end of July saw a fresh dispute over a witness’s credibility on 28 October. Before the Audiencia Nacional in Madrid, representatives of the private prosecution and the Ceuta government questioned the independence of a Moroccan man giving evidence by videoconference. The former gendarme Hicham E. B. was explicitly asked, according to information from the proceedings, whether he had worked for Moroccan intelligence services. He denied it, but acknowledged that during his service at the airport he had officially “coordinated” with relevant agencies.
The investigating judge presiding over the case, María Tardón is conducting the investigation into events on 30 July 2026 and 31 July 2026 in Ceuta. According to consistent media reports and court statements, one theory is that Moroccan authorities did not prevent the influx, at least for a time, along the stretch of beach at the espigón del Tarajal . The previous week, Tardón had asked the Spanish government to declassify documentsrelevant to the case. She also heard from several Ceuta city officials and members of the emergency services.
The private prosecutors’ suspicions about Hicham E. B. are based on the fact that, as a former member of the Gendarmería Real he has detailed knowledge of events near the border and that some of his statements conflict with accounts by Spanish personnel. The witness rejected the accusation that he was an “Infiltrado”. So far, only his contacts from his former role have been confirmed; a direct tasking by Moroccan intelligence services remains unproven.
Further witnesses for and against the allegations were also heard. A Guardia Civil officer said Morocco had moved six naval vessels off Ceuta immediately before the incident. Spanish security circles interpret this as evidence that Rabat was paying closer attention in those days; whether this supports operational conclusions about managing the border remains unclear.
The Audiencia Nacional is investigating whether Spanish authorities or external actors made mistakes or acted improperly around 30 July 2026. Spain’s intelligence service, the CNI is indirectly involved in the context of requests for the release of files; nothing has been published about the contents of classified documents. The judge’s orders appear to distinguish between established facts, attributed motives and political assessments. No findings have yet been made.
Ceuta’s political leadership is pressing for a swift clarification of who was responsible for the border crossings. The next procedural steps depend on assessing the testimony, the availability of the requested files and whether further witnesses are summoned.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).