"A sum of money was handed over and accepted," the source said, adding the journalists were being investigated for attempted extortion and attempted blackmail.
Eric Dupond-Moretti, a lawyer for the Moroccan government, told RTL radio that Laurent had contacted the royal palace in July, saying he was writing a book about the king.
The journalist allegedly demanded three million euros ($3.4 mn) in hush money not to publish the book, which reportedly contains damaging revelations about Mohammed VI.
Editions du Seuil publishing company confirmed that the pair, who already have one title about the Moroccan leader under their belt, were working on another book slated for publication "in January/February".
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Eric Dupond-Moretti, a lawyer for the Moroccan government, told RTL radio that Laurent had contacted the royal palace in July, saying he was writing a book about the king.
The journalist allegedly demanded three million euros ($3.4 mn) in hush money not to publish the book, which reportedly contains damaging revelations about Mohammed VI.
Editions du Seuil publishing company confirmed that the pair, who already have one title about the Moroccan leader under their belt, were working on another book slated for publication "in January/February".
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