Chakib Khelil “flees” Algeria
Algeria’s former energy minister Chakib Khelil left the country across the Airport of Ahmed Ben Bela in the province of Oran (west of Algiers) although authorities issued a warrant forbidding him from travelling.
This comes few hours after investigators searched the houses of Sonatrcah’s former senior officials.
Khelil reached Switzerland across France. He was supposed to receive a notification to appear in court for testimony over the Sonatrach corruption case.
A number of senior officials at Sonatrach are expected to appear in court on April 1st.
According to sources, investigators searched the house of Sonatrach’s former CEO Abdelmadjid Attar and took his laptop and professional cell phone.
Nourredine Cherouati, Sonatrach’s former CEO will also appear in court as investigators searched his house.
Investigators also searched the house of Mohamed Reda Hameche who was the advisor of Sonatrach’s former CEO Mohamed Meziane.
It is believed that Khelil told Hameche to leave Algeria shortly before the scandal is unveiled. He lives in Switzerland and Turkey after his retirement. He has never been summoned to appear in court although his name was mentioned during investigations with Sonatrach’s officials who are in jail.
The same sources say Khelil tried to sell his properties in Algiers including two luxury apartments in Hydra and a number of shops.