Algiers, January 9, 2026 – The trial of Yaakoub Belhaceni, dubbed the “Fake General,” has been adjourned to the next criminal session by the Algiers Criminal Court.
Belhaceni, along with co-defendant Z. Mesbah, appeared before the court yesterday, Thursday. The court decided to postpone the case until the end of the current criminal session.
Belhaceni faces a string of serious charges in the first case, including joining and participating in associations, organizations, and groups with terrorist or destructive aims, as defined under Article 87 bis of the Penal Code. He is also accused of encouraging and financing terrorist acts, using a title related to a legally regulated profession without authorization, receiving funds from abroad as part of a group or organization to carry out acts that could harm state security, national unity, and territorial integrity, fraud, and complicity in fraud.
In the second case, the charges against Belhaceni include joining a terrorist group operating abroad and targeting Algerian interests, committing terrorist acts aimed at attacking means of transport, deliberately obstructing air navigation and flight safety, and intentionally providing false information knowing it could endanger the safety of an aircraft in flight.
The co-defendant, Z. Mesbah, is charged with encouraging and financing terrorist acts, receiving funds from abroad as part of a group or organization to carry out acts that could harm state security, national unity, and territorial integrity, as well as complicity in fraud.
Background: Belhaceni has a history of convictions in both criminal and misdemeanor courts related to fraud and telephone scams. He allegedly impersonated high-ranking state officials, prominent political figures, senior executives, diplomats, and representatives of public bodies. He is accused of extorting money from them by promising promotions and positions of responsibility in exchange for financial payments, while fraudulently claiming to hold legitimate civilian and military authority.
