Algerian judicial authorities have commenced an official inquiry into corruption allegations involving a mixed company, including foreign capital, which operates in maritime passenger transport in the port of Mostaganem.
According to Algeria’s “El Shorouk” newspaper, suspicions have arisen concerning the company receiving undue privileges at the port’s expense.
This has prompted the issuance of new summonses for both current and former officials to appear before an investigative judge at the Mostaganem court on September 17th. Reports suggest that these unjustified benefits have resulted in losses exceeding DZD 36 billion (360 million Algerian dinars) for the public treasury.
Informed sources have revealed that a former general manager of the Mostaganem port along with officials from various departments and services within the port, have been summoned. Witnesses and a whistleblower on the case have also been called.
This report, having been heard approximately 10 months ago by investigators of the judicial police, has been documented with over 26 documents concerning the nature of the contracts signed and activities undertaken by the foreign company.
The objective of the investigation is to discern whether the company had benefited from questionable concessions. It also aims to evaluate the veracity of news reports related to the case that were presented to the public prosecutor, whether based on evidence or indications.
In the same context, the aforementioned whistleblower has been summoned to appear before the investigative judge. This is to initiate a legal inquiry, outline the charges, and determine the next steps in a new file pertaining to a mixed company that benefited from substantial financial exemptions over previous years (2016, 2017, 2018) under a partnership agreement signed in mid-2016.
It is worth noting that the current file presented before the investigation body at the Mostaganem court is considered as concerning as the previous file, which led to the dismissal of the former CEO of the Algerian Ports Management Complex, another official from Mostaganem port, and a previous operations manager.
Corruption has long been a significant concern in various sectors in Algeria, with multiple reports and allegations coming to the fore over the years. With the sizeable amount involved in this recent case and its connection to foreign entities, it highlights the challenges the North African nation faces in ensuring transparency, particularly in its port operations, a critical area for the country’s trade and economic interests.
The results of this investigation are eagerly awaited, not only by the stakeholders but also by the public, who demand accountability and justice in the face of such allegations.
