A recent report from the French Ministry of Justice, published in early 2026, indicates that Algeria and Morocco are the primary destinations for French fugitives evading justice. According to the document, Algeria currently hosts 144 wanted individuals, while Morocco has 96, making them the top two countries for French fugitives abroad.
The report, which analyzes data from the French police and judicial authorities, notes that these numbers have remained relatively stable over the past few years. The fugitives are sought for a range of offenses, including drug trafficking, fraud, and violent crimes. Extradition requests from France to these North African countries often face legal and diplomatic hurdles.
Other countries with significant numbers of French fugitives include Spain (78), Belgium (65), and Switzerland (42). The report highlights that cooperation with some nations is more effective than others, impacting the rate of successful extraditions.
French authorities have emphasized the need for improved bilateral agreements to facilitate the return of wanted individuals. However, legal systems and political relations play a crucial role in the extradition process, often leading to delays or refusals.
