Tipaza, Algeria – The National Gendarmerie in Tipaza has dismantled an international criminal network involved in illegal speculation and trade of vehicles, particularly Fiat Doblo Panorama models manufactured locally. This operation aims to stabilize the national market and curb monopolies and artificial scarcity.
According to the Gendarmerie, the operation followed investigations and intelligence confirming irregularities in vehicle marketing. The network allegedly imported new and near-new (less than three years old) vehicles illegally by establishing affiliated companies both inside and outside Algeria. This tactic was reportedly used to evade oversight, smuggle currency, and commit tax evasion.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 61 vehicles of various makes and models, along with 5,990,000 Algerian Dinars, 700 Euros, mobile phones, computer equipment, two currency counting machines, company and personal seals, and foreign license plates.
Thirteen suspects have been arrested and will be presented before the competent judicial authorities on charges including: forming an organized criminal network to prepare for international felonies, illegal vehicle speculation, money laundering, smuggling hard currency through fraudulent means, tax evasion, operating as a multi-brand car dealership without registration in the commercial register or obtaining an official license, violating exchange control laws and capital movement regulations, failure to report corruption crimes, and receiving undisclosed value differences.
This intervention is part of the National Gendarmerie’s ongoing efforts to combat economic crimes and protect the national market from illegal speculation and smuggling.
