A Tunisian court has sentenced businessman Maher Chaâbane and the former president of La Goulette's municipal council to five years in prison each. The fourth criminal chamber of the Tunis Court of First Instance also imposed fines exceeding two million dinars on the two convicts. According to reports from Mosaïque FM, the case involves administrative and financial irregularities, document falsification, and other legal infractions.
The case is part of a broader judicial process involving Maher Chaâbane, who is also facing other charges. In 2024, the former president of La Goulette's municipal council was taken into custody and later placed in detention. At the time, court spokesperson Mohamed Zitouna stated that investigations focused on suspected administrative and financial corruption within the municipalities of La Goulette and Kram, linked to Chaâbane.
The probe into municipal management, initiated in 2024, examined allegations of using public office for undue benefits at the expense of the administration. Investigators also looked into suspected acceptance of benefits in exchange for acts related to their positions. These elements describe the charges announced during the 2024 investigation. Chaâbane, active in real estate and public works, faces multiple judicial dossiers.
In October 2025, the Tunis Court of Appeal sentenced Chaâbane to two years in prison for constituting gains abroad without prior authorization from the Central Bank of Tunisia. This case is separate from the La Goulette municipal case. Additionally, in March 2026, a request for his release was rejected in a corruption and money laundering case.
The examination of another case involving Chaâbane and over a dozen other defendants was postponed to September 24. Available information does not link these procedures to the recent judgment. Chaâbane's lawyer has not publicly commented on the latest sentence. The court's decision has sparked interest given Chaâbane's significant presence in Tunisian business.
The fines imposed on Chaâbane and the former mayor, though exceeding two million dinars, have not been detailed in terms of individual amounts. This latest development highlights the ongoing scrutiny of Chaâbane's business dealings and his connections to local politics. Further details on the case are expected to emerge as the judicial process unfolds.
The case raises questions about corruption and accountability in Tunisia, particularly in the management of municipal affairs. The court's ruling reflects efforts to address these issues, but the broader implications for Chaâbane's business empire and his influence in Tunisian politics remain to be seen. The situation will likely continue to attract attention from both local and international observers.
Key points
- Maher Chaâbane and the former president of La Goulette's municipal council have been sentenced to five years in prison for administrative and financial irregularities.
- The case is part of a larger judicial process involving Chaâbane, who faces multiple charges related to corruption and financial misconduct.
- The court's decision reflects ongoing efforts to address corruption and ensure accountability in Tunisia's municipal management and business sectors.
