In a significant development, Algerian businessmen Issad Rebrab, CEO of Cevital, and the Kouninef brothers were taken into custody by the National Gendarmerie's investigative brigade in Algiers on Tuesday. The arrests are related to allegations of corruption, with Rebrab facing suspicions of making false declarations about capital transfers and import operations. The Kouninef brothers, known for their close ties to former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's brother, Saïd, are accused of non-respect of contractual commitments in public projects, influence peddling, and land diversion.
The Gendarmerie Nationale's brigade in Babjdid, Algiers, conducted the arrests, with Rebrab and the Kouninef brothers subsequently brought in for questioning. According to local reports, Rebrab was to be questioned about suspected false declarations related to capital transfers and import operations, for which he had allegedly received customs, tax, and banking benefits. The investigation also involves suspicions of inflated import prices for used equipment.
Initially, Rebrab denied his arrest via a tweet, stating he had presented himself to the gendarmerie to address issues related to the EvCon project. However, subsequent reports and images broadcast on local television channels suggested otherwise, indicating Rebrab's presence at the Sidi M'hamed tribunal. The developments have sparked significant attention, with several journalists, onlookers, and supporters, including the president of the JSK football club, Cherif Mellal, gathering at the tribunal.
The Kouninef brothers, comprising Reda, Abdelkader, Karim, and Tarek, were also taken into custody on Tuesday, facing allegations of corruption and influence peddling. The investigation into their activities involves suspicions of non-respect of contractual commitments in public projects and land diversion. While no images of their arrest have been released, reports suggest they will be brought before the prosecutor at the Sidi M'hamed tribunal once the gendarmerie's investigation is complete.
The Gendarmerie Nationale's investigative brigade has confirmed that it is pursuing preliminary investigations into several businessmen, some of whom have been subject to travel bans. The brigade has also summoned former Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia and Finance Minister Mohamed Loukal to appear before the prosecutor at the Sidi M'hamed tribunal on charges of embezzlement of public funds and undue privileges.
The developments are part of a broader crackdown on corruption in Algeria, with several high-profile figures facing investigations or having been summoned by the authorities. Former ministers Djamel Ould Abbès and Saïd Barkat, both from the FLN party, are facing procedures to lift their parliamentary immunity on allegations of embezzlement of funds during their tenure as ministers.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing investigations and developments expected in the coming days. The Algerian authorities have not released a statement on the specific details of the cases against Rebrab and the Kouninef brothers but have confirmed that the investigations are ongoing.
Key points
- Algerian businessmen Issad Rebrab and the Kouninef brothers arrested on corruption allegations.
- Investigations involve suspicions of false declarations, influence peddling, and embezzlement of public funds.
- Developments part of broader efforts to crack down on corruption in Algeria.
