Law enforcement authorities in Sidi Bel Abbes have dismantled an international criminal network specializing in money laundering derived from illicit drug trafficking. The operation resulted in the seizure of financial assets and property valued at over 66 million Algerian dinars, according to an official statement.
The operation falls under the national strategy to combat organized crime, with a particular focus on disrupting the financial lifelines of criminal organizations. The Anti-Economic and Financial Crimes Unit successfully dismantled the transnational organized group, whose members were involved in laundering proceeds from drug trafficking, leading to the recovery of significant assets and financial gains.
This operation is a continuation of a previous investigation during which authorities thwarted an attempt to smuggle a substantial quantity of narcotics and apprehended the primary individuals involved. Subsequent investigations traced the network’s financial flows using digital and technical evidence.
Authorities arrested three individuals believed to be key members of the criminal organization. These individuals allegedly legitimized drug money by injecting it into commercial transactions and exporting goods using falsified invoices, causing significant damage to the national treasury by draining hard currency reserves. The estimated loss to the treasury is approximately two million euros.
The operation led to the seizure and recovery of 88,800 euros in foreign currency, over 500 million Algerian dinars in local currency, and approximately one kilogram of gold jewelry valued at 2.8 billion Algerian dinars. Additionally, two vehicles and a motorcycle were confiscated.
The suspects have been presented before the Public Prosecutor at the Sidi Bel Abbes Court on charges of money laundering within an organized criminal group and violating currency exchange regulations. The investigation remains ongoing. DZWatch will continue to provide updates as they become available.
