Moroccan authorities have arrested 118 people suspected of ticket scalping for matches at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in the kingdom, local media reported.

According to the state-run Radio and Television website, security operations “to combat ticket scalping and illegal trade of football match tickets” led to the detention of 118 individuals across several cities. They are now under judicial investigation supervised by the public prosecutor.

Some of the suspects are being prosecuted in custody, while others remain free, depending on the charges against them.

The authorities reportedly identified dozens of social media posts offering tournament tickets at inflated prices and traced the suspected sellers behind these listings.

The suspects face charges including illegal ticket sales, forgery, tampering with electronic data systems, fraud, and disseminating false information, according to the same source. Moroccan media also reported that eight individuals were arrested for involvement in similar operations.

Matches featuring the Moroccan national team have drawn particularly large crowds, though many fans were unable to purchase tickets due to rapid sellouts.

Morocco is hosting the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations across six cities from December 21 to January 18.