Chip factory manager and four others jailed for subsidized oil speculation

A judge at the specialized judicial pole of the Sidi M'hamed court has ordered the pretrial detention of four individuals involved in a criminal network practicing illegal speculation on subsidized cooking oil. An investigation by the national gendarmerie in Chaiba, Tipaza, uncovered that the suspects were diverting oil meant for human consumption to a snack food company. Authorities seized significant quantities of oil, along with tankers, empty containers, and loading equipment found without invoices inside the company's warehouse. The defendants face charges of illicit speculation, diversion of subsidized goods, lack of invoicing, and money laundering. A fifth suspect remains at large, and a manhunt is underway.