Algeria ex-minister jailed in landmark corruption case

Algeria ex-minister jailed amid sweeping graft crackdown

The former industry minister, Mohamed Ait‑Mansour, was sentenced alongside six co‑accused in a case that has rattled Algiers’ political elite. Investigators say the network siphoned state contracts worth ↓ $120 million between 2015 and 2020. Courts handed down penalties ranging from ↓ 3 years to ↓ 10 years in prison, reflecting the gravity of the offenses.

“This verdict sends a clear signal that corruption will no longer be tolerated,” a senior judge told reporters, citing the need for systemic reform.

The ruling follows months of pressure from civil society groups and international observers, including a report by Reuters highlighting Algeria’s struggle to curb entrenched patronage. While the former minister maintains his innocence, the conviction underscores a broader pattern of legal actions targeting former officials, a trend analysts compare to similar anti‑corruption drives in the region. The government has pledged to review procurement procedures, but critics warn that without transparent oversight the cycle may persist.

Intel provided by Julian Vance (Senior Global Security Correspondent).