Algeria: judge hears Sonatrach 2 suspects

An examining judge at a court in Algiers late this month heard suspects involved in the Sonatrach 2 case for the third time since the investigation started. They were asked about alleged bribes they got in return for deals with Algeria’s energy group Sonatrach, Echorouk has learnt.

An investigation was opened in Switzerland, Dubai, France, Spain, Italy, Canada and the US where companies are allegedly accused of signing suspicious deals with Sonatrach.

The investigation in the Sonatrach 2 case was launched in Algeria in 102 after many eminent names had been mentioned in corruption scandals.

Those same names were also mentioned in the Sonatrach 1 case but were not touched by an investigation and were not summoned in as witnesses.

A total of 19 persons were accused. Of them, Farid Bedjaoui who is on the run, Chief of the personal staff of Sonatrach’s CEO Reda Hamech who is also on the run.

An arrest warrant was issued for the Wife of Algeria’s former energy minister Chakib Khelil after they had been prosecuted for being involved in the Sonatrach corruption scandal. Three other people from the same family are accused of money laundry and corruption.