Interpol’s “Red List” devoid of wanted Chakib Khelil

The “Red List” issued recently by International Police “Interpol” doesn’t include the name of former Algerian Energy and Mines Minister, Chakib Khelil, who is targeted by an international arrest warrant issued earlier this year by Algerian justice in connection with a widespread corruption and embezzlement ring implicating Chakib Khelil himself and several of his close relatives and associates.

The latest Interpol “Red List” included other wanted people including terrorist chieftain Mokhtar Belmokhtar, runaway business tycoon Abdelmoumene Khelifa, former GIA chieftain Guarira Ali, as well as terrorism advocates namey Anouar Haddam and Zaouali Fouad, in addition to several foreigners notably Ghara Ahmed Ibrahim and Ahguarine Baba from Niger and a wanted Chinese national called Ouazoung Shoue but the name of Chakib Khelil is surprisingly absent from this list despite the issuing of an international arrest warrant against him about 5 months ago.

The outstanding question racking the brains of many people here in Algeria is why the relevant Algerian authorities haven’t got in touch with the Interpol Police institution with the aim of speeding up the Police procedures and including on the Interpol “Red List” the name of Chakib Khelil and his wanted associates who are suspected of direct involving in the large-scale corruption and misappropriation of public funds affair uncovered last year by the Italian and Algerian justice.

They also suggested that the Chakib Khelil case should in principle be dealt with by the Supreme Court as the defender was at the time of the reported wrongdoing, still serving as energy and mines minister until the late 2000’s.