Detectives Discover a Fake Banknotes Workshop in Algiers, Ain Temouchent

A National Gendarmerie brigade in Algiers have recently dismantled a trafficking network specialized in printing fake banknotes of 500 DZD and 1000 DZD operating between Algeria and Morocco.

The gendarmes concluded, however, that thousands fake banknotes are being circulated in the market, including in Algiers, Bouira, Ain Temouchent, and Oran provinces.  

The investigation has been opened in early last July, when the investigation section of the National Gendarmerie of Algiers got information about a man G.B, 30 years, who lives in Beraki locality, in the south outskirts of Algiers, and who counterfeited banknotes, after he turned his house into a workshop to print fake banknotes. 

The security services arrested the suspect on 24 July, and found about 800 thousand fake DZD in his house. The defendant sooner admitted the charge and revealed that he worked with a partner from Bordj El Kifan locality, eastern Algiers, namely B.N, 35 years.

Investigators quickly reacted and arrested the second trafficker, and then seized a load of 250 thousand fake DZD in his house. He further revealed that he worked with a partner from Bouira province, south east Algiers, who was also arrested, and disclosed the name of two of his partners in the same area. The investigators searched their houses and seized a load of devices used in banknotes counterfeit, computers and a scanner.

Detectives extended their investigation to the western part of the country, where they identified the mastermind of the network, who managed to run away. After searching his house in the province of Ain Temouchent, detectives discovered modern printing devices and computers and high quality paper. 

The defendants admitted that the trafficking gang chief had stayed for months in Morocco, before returning home with a load of fake Algerian banknotes.

The 8 defendants have been heard by General Prosecutor at El Harrach Court, who ordered to refer them into custody pending trial over charges of setting up a criminal gang and counterfeiting banknotes.