27 officials at Sonelgaz inflated electricity invoices

A judge in a court in Algiers Wednesday started questioning 27 executives including directors at Sonelgaz for inflating 55,259 electricity invoices.

A total of 22 suspects appeared in court. They were accused of counterfeiting administrative documents and inflating electricity invoices intended for public and private enterprises.

Earlier in 2010, an employee at Sonelgaz lodged a complaint against some general directors for inflating invoices.

55,259 counterfeited and inflated invoices

The judge found out that 55,259 counterfeited, inflated and illegal invoices. They were distributed on different departments. Yet, the suspects denied those allegations.

Distribution general director told the judge he has nothing to do with invoices and contracts between Sonelgaz and clients. He said he held the position in 2000-2008. He assigned regional directors to be in charge of commercial contracts.