Algeria: network embezzles money in 17 provinces

Judicial authorities in 17 provinces in Algeria opened an investigation on postal accounts embezzlement by 15 people who counterfeited victims’ signature, said commander of the National Gendarmerie’s Regional Group in El Oued (south of Algeria) Mohamed Riki.

The suspects embezzled the money with the help of cashiers in return for 10 percent on each embezzlement operation.

“A total of 73 people were victim of this embezzlement. Some of them lost 300 million centimes,” said Riki.

The criminal network operated in 17 provinces: Algiers, El Oued, Djelfa, Laghouat, Adrar, Msila, Annba, Oran, Medea, Biskra, Mila, Bechar, Ghardaia, Tiaret, Bouira, Bejaia and Ouarguela.

A total of 60 cashiers and a number of officials at post offices were called in as part of the investigation.

“The network counterfeited and printed checks using a printing machine in Bir Touta in Algiers. They took out the victim’s real names and amounts and put other names.”

Investigations show that the network has operated for two years. Main suspect Chawki is a jobless man who was arrested in 2003 and 2009 over similar cases. He is on the run while his partner who is a building contractor was arrested.