Security Services Rescue 14,000 Women, Kids From Criminal Gangs’ Exploitation

Algeria officially condemned the reports of some organizations that are attempting to distort its image in the file of African migrants who live on its territory, claiming that they are mistreated.

Interior Ministry counted 14,000 African migrants (women and children) who were exploited by a Niger criminal group in begging in Algerian cities, while 56,000 African migrants were convicted for crimes and misdemeanors, including 30,000 Malians and 20,000 Nigerians.

“Algeria has saved 14,000 women and kids from the hands of a Niger criminal group that has begun to organize their ranks in the national territory in order to exploit this fragile category in begging”, Director of Studies in Charge of Migration at the Ministry of the Interior, Hassane Kassimi, said.

“This criminal group, which has been active in Algeria for 3 years has exploited women and children in the begging”.

“Government has taken rescue measures to counter illegal immigration. President Bouteflika, the Prime Minister and the Interior Minister have made this a national priority. We are keen to spare the safety and security of our country from any threat that may arise from any situation at any time.”

Interior Ministry’s representative refused to accuse Algeria of certain parties and organizations of mistreatment of migrants who had arrived in Algerian territory, saying: “The Algerian state is deeply committed to this issue and takes into account the humanitarian aspect. Raids are carried out to protect them and if we carried deportations this does not mean that we are Nazis, this falls within the framework of combating crime.”

When addressing the immigration cells, Kassimi revealed that the latter was taken over by looting, terrorism, crime and incitement groups, adding that in the past three months, nearly DZD 39 million were seized in Adrar, Tamanrasset and Illizi (Southern Algeria).

“Smuggling illegal immigrants cell in Aghades (Niger) towards Libya and Algeria estimated its monthly income with 140 million euros, and these funds are recycled in the activities of smuggling, terrorism and incitement”.