Algiers, December 8, 2025 – A major criminal network has been dismantled in Algiers, resulting in the recovery of over 11 billion Algerian dinars. The operation, conducted by the Central Service for Combating Organized Crime (SCLCO), targeted a sophisticated group of 18 individuals involved in forgery, tax evasion, and money laundering.
The network comprised of business owners and public officials from banking and administrative institutions, operated through the creation of shell companies and the falsification of commercial documents. Their activities centered around the illegal trade of tobacco products across the western regions of the country.
According to a statement released by the National Security services, the investigation was launched following credible intelligence regarding the network’s operations. The criminals are accused of systematically evading tax regulations and laundering illicit profits through real estate and vehicle transactions, in an attempt to disguise the source of the funds.
During the operation, authorities seized over 3.5 billion dinars in cash, representing the direct proceeds of criminal activity. Furthermore, they confiscated tobacco products, vehicles, and electronic equipment valued at over 8 billion dinars. The seized goods included 1,363,000 packs of cigarettes, 3,500 units of smokeless tobacco, 45 vehicles, laptops and official stamps belonging to various administrative and banking entities.
The suspects have been presented before the Public Prosecutor at the Specialized Economic and Financial Penal Pole in Sidi M’hamed, Algiers. This successful operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and financial corruption within the country.
