Subsidized cooking oil speculation leads to imprisonment of chip company executives

On Sunday, a judge at the specialized penal hub of Sidi M'hamed in Algiers ordered the detention of four individuals, including the manager of a snack manufacturing firm, following allegations of illegal speculation on subsidized cooking oil. According to the public prosecutor, the group was involved in diverting oil intended for human consumption to commercial use without proper documentation. The investigation, led by the National Gendarmerie in Tipaza, resulted in the seizure of a truck containing 3,500 liters of oil, as well as various storage containers, empty bottles, and equipment, all lacking invoices. The suspects face charges of illicit speculation, diversion of regulated goods, lack of invoicing, and money laundering. A fifth suspect remains at large.