Algeria’s judiciary has recently unveiled two major corruption cases, highlighting widespread misconduct across key government and business institutions. The investigations—one involving foreign trade approvals and another tied to public waste management—have led to multiple arrests and renewed public attention on the country’s anti-corruption efforts.
Trade Ministry Scandal: Illegal Import Approvals
Authorities announced the arrest of 17 individuals, including nine government officials and eight private importers, as part of a sweeping probe into corruption within Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion. The investigation was launched after a whistleblower reported irregularities surrounding newly mandated import program approvals, a requirement introduced in July.
According to the Dar El Beïda court in Algiers, the National Gendarmerie opened an inquiry in early September after receiving intelligence accusing a senior ministry official of granting import approvals in exchange for personal benefits. The investigation revealed that several importers secured official authorization for their raw material imports through illicit means.
Out of 21 people questioned, 17 were placed in pre-trial detention for alleged abuse of office, influence peddling, and granting illegal advantages. Judicial authorities confirmed that the inquiry remains ongoing.
Public Waste Agency Scandal: $1.1 Million Embezzlement Uncovered
In a separate case, prosecutors uncovered large-scale embezzlement at the National Waste Agency (AND) in Algiers, where approximately 15 billion centimes—roughly $1.1 million—were allegedly diverted through falsified documents and bank transfers. Five individuals, including senior management officials, have been jailed pending trial.
The case surfaced following two investigative commissions directed at the CNEP Bank by the investigating judge at the Hussein Dey court. According to judicial sources, evidence confirmed that the agency’s former director of administration and finance, identified as Z. B. Slimane, orchestrated the misappropriation of public funds using forged banking documents.
Co-defendant M. Bilal was also indicted after the Appeals Chamber determined there was sufficient evidence linking him to the fraudulent transfer. Witnesses within the agency testified that Bilal concealed payment orders in envelopes on Slimane’s instructions.
Court documents reviewed by the 10th Criminal Chamber at the Algiers Court revealed that the misappropriated funds were wired to an unauthorized account at the Banque du Crédit Populaire d’Algérie. The fraud coincided with Slimane’s abrupt resignation two days later, heightening staff suspicions. Despite internal inquiries, the agency has yet to recover the missing money.
During the hearing, Bilal’s defense argued that the incriminating banking document was authentic and bore legitimate signatures, citing statements from the agency’s general director. The court, however, has yet to issue a final ruling in the case.
Broader Context: Anti-Corruption Momentum
The dual scandals come amid renewed government efforts to combat corruption, following record budget allocations in Algeria’s 2026 draft finance law to strengthen anti-graft institutions. Legal analysts note that the cases could test the independence of Algeria’s judiciary as it tackles misconduct within strategic state institutions.
