Algeria: 1,325 communal employees prosecuted for money squandering, forgery and corruption

New figures showed that 1,325 communal employees are prosecuted for money squandering, counterfeiting and corruption. Of them, 324 are in prison while investigations are continuing on the others’ cases.

The latest case handled by justice involved 18 employees including local elected in Khmis El Kechna municipality in Boumerdes province (50 km east of Algiers). An accountant and a building contractor have been jailed pending for investigation while the former mayor and two of his deputies as well as building contractors and a whole sale market’s owner are under judicial surveillance, Echorouk has learnt.

Most of the suspects are sued for illegal deals conclusion and using their positions for personal purposes.

The number of prosecuted employees increased because they hold important positions in different municipalities and cover suspicious acts of local elected. They also get money under the table in return for some services and documents forgery, said the same sources.

Although the number is high but a number of employees have often been acquitted. Some of the 324 employees are still jailed pending for investigations, the sources added.