Gold and Currency Smuggling Case Scheduled for Appeal on November 10

On November 10, the Algiers Court will hear the appeal of a gold and currency smuggling case involving 12 defendants accused of forming an organized cross-border criminal group. The case includes a security officer formerly stationed at Houari Boumediene International Airport. Charges against the group involve money laundering, violation of exchange regulations, abuse of influence, and illegal gold trafficking. The criminal scheme involved smuggling gold bars to Turkey to be reshaped and rebranded, then re-entering them into the Algerian market through the assistance of corrupt airport staff. Authorities seized approximately 9.6 kg of unstamped gold along with various foreign currencies. Previously, the Dar El Beida Misdemeanor Court sentenced the primary defendants to 10 years in prison and heavy fines, while acquitting three other individuals.