Algerian authorities have summoned former Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia and ex-Algiers governor Abdelkader Zoukh for questioning by an investigating judge at the Sidi M'Hamed court in Algiers. This development is part of a new case involving businessman Mahieddine Tahkout, who has been accused of receiving irregular benefits and advantages. The investigation, conducted by the National Gendarmerie, focuses on Tahkout's investments and the advantages he received.
The case centers around allegations of irregularities in the allocation of contracts and financing of investments by the National Agency for Development of Investment (ANDI) in favor of Tahkout. Several officials from the Ministry of Industry and ANDI have also been summoned to appear before the same court. Tahkout, who owns a vehicle assembly plant for the South Korean brand Hyundai and a large fleet of buses involved in university transportation, has been accused of benefiting from illicit advantages.
Ouyahia, who served as Prime Minister, is expected to answer questions about possible facilitation he may have provided to Tahkout on several occasions. The investigation also covers Tahkout's involvement in the university transportation sector and other benefits he allegedly received in Reghaïa, a suburb of Algiers. The court appearance of these high-profile individuals has garnered significant attention in Algeria.
Abdelkader Zoukh, who was summoned for questioning, left the court shortly after arriving, only to return later in the day. The reasons for his repeated appearances remain unclear. Other officials, including cadres from the Ministry of Transport, the University Works Agency, and the Algiers Urban and Suburban Transport Company (ETUSA), have also been questioned as part of this investigation.
Tahkout himself appeared before the court, accompanied by several family members who were also summoned. The investigation into his business dealings has uncovered several potential irregularities, including allegations of illicit benefits and advantages. Algerian authorities aim to shed light on these allegations and determine whether any wrongdoing occurred.
The case has sparked significant interest in Algeria, given the high-profile individuals involved and the allegations of corruption. Ouyahia and Zoukh's appearances before the investigating judge are seen as a significant development in the case. Further questioning and investigation are expected to uncover more details about Tahkout's business dealings and potential wrongdoing.
The Algerian justice system has been working to address corruption and promote transparency in recent years. This case demonstrates the authorities' commitment to investigating allegations of wrongdoing, even when high-profile individuals are involved. The outcome of the investigation and any potential charges remain to be seen.
Key points
- Former Algerian PM Ahmed Ouyahia and ex-Algiers governor Abdelkader Zoukh have been summoned for questioning in a new investigation linked to businessman Mahieddine Tahkout.
- The case centers around allegations of irregularities in the allocation of contracts and financing of investments by the National Agency for Development of Investment (ANDI) in favor of Tahkout.
- The investigation aims to uncover potential wrongdoing and shed light on allegations of corruption involving high-profile individuals in Algeria.
