According to PUNA, French rapper Maes, whose real name is Walid Georgey, was arrested on January 22 in Morocco. The 29-year-old artist, originally from Sevran, was wanted under an international arrest warrant issued by French authorities in October 2023. Maes had previously been sentenced to ten months in prison and fined €10,000 in connection with a 2018 case. He was not present at the court hearing when the verdict was announced.
In 2022, Maes fled to Dubai, claiming he wanted to escape threats and extortion in his neighborhood. “I left after cars from my music video were set on fire by jealous people from my area,” he explained. However, his stay in Dubai had consequences for his career. In December, he was forced to cancel a major concert at the Accor Arena in Paris, prompting his rival Booba to publicly mock him.
According to sources, Maes left Dubai on January 18, fearing extradition to France. His departure coincided with a visit by French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin to the United Arab Emirates. Darmanin was negotiating improved judicial cooperation, including efforts to apprehend French fugitives who often seek refuge in Dubai.
After arriving in Morocco, Maes was arrested on January 22 in Casablanca. He may also be under investigation there in connection with a local kidnapping case, although his lawyer, Diane de Condé, has not confirmed these allegations. Maes is currently being held in Morocco, awaiting a decision regarding his potential extradition to France.
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