Networks smuggle funds abroad under importation cover in Algeria

Director of Algerian Regional Customs-East Arrik Ben Omar said figures relating to the seizure operations by customs forces Algiers port show a growing dangerous phenomenon of importing fake and counterfeited goods including medicines, home appliances, spare parts and food.

• According to the regional director, the main problem behind flow of fake and fraudulent products in the Algerian market is the absence of special laboratories to analyse all items introduced to Algeria by importing companies. They work by fictitious names and aliases and use fake commercial registers with incorrect titles.
• The same source confirmed that there are home appliances coming from all the world countries which have nothing to do with safety standards. Because of that, dozens of Algerian families die just after using these appliances including those imported from China.
• Surveillance on documents facilitated smuggling huge money sums abroad
• The customs director explained that analysis and control of these imported products has become more than necessary in Algeria.
• He warned of the growing number of imported meaningless items to cover up money smuggling.
• Surveillance must be conducted directly on goods and laboratories to ensure effective guarantee and validity of these imported products, he added.
•  He called for the creation of  a national card for all importers of sensitive materials that pose a threat to the public health and national economy, with the identification of each importer by foreign trade services and Algerian banks.  Commercial banks working in financing foreign trade transactions are involved as well.