65 customs agents prosecuted for corruption in Algeria

Algeria’s customs general department filled 65 lawsuits against customs agents this year on corruption-related charges. A total of 80 agents and officers were introduced to discipline commission.

The number of customs agents involved in corruption increased compared to 10 cases last year.

Abdelmadjid Mehreche, principal inspector at the department said a total of 56 customs agents and officers were prosecuted on corruption-related charges while 80 cases were introduced to the national council of discipline. 

Earlier in 2009, 70 customs agents were dismissed for professional errors.

“The number of the cases increased due to the new measures taken by customs to counter corruption,” he told the national radio.

“There is cooperation between customs and security forces in airports through double surveillance with cameras,” he added.

He also said there is a special commission in the customs general department in charge of fighting corruption. It made a special plan and it will extend customs centres through land borders especially in the west. “The project includes 85 surveillance centres along Algeria’s borders.”

Speaking about smuggling, the principal inspector said the Algerian customs put a plan to counter the phenomenon either about banking transfers or financial liquidity smuggling through border centres in ports and airports. Some 81 million and 843 thousand DZ, 7,873 million Euros, $335,233 and sums of Libyan dirham and dinar were seized.