Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has vowed to recover funds smuggled abroad by government officials during former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s rule.
Tebboune stressed he would begin confiscating property and money obtained within Algeria, in an implicit reference to two prime ministers, several former ministers, and businessmen, who have been jailed on corruption charges.
His remarks were made during an interview with two newspapers at the presidential headquarters on Sunday evening that was broadcast on state television.
He referred to legal measures taken to contact governments of several countries where the deposits of convicted officials and others wanted by the judiciary are kept.
The amount and location of the transferred money is not yet specified neither is the amount money illegally obtained in Algeria.
A group of officials close to Bouteflika is involved in the “looted money” case. These are topped by former Premiers Ahmed Ouyahia and Abdelmalek Sellal and several ministers, including former Industry Minister Abdesselam Bouchouareb residing abroad, as well as former intelligence chiefs Mohamed Mediene, Bachir Tartag and Said Bouteflika.
Tebboune said during the presidential election campaign in late 2019 that he had “a plan to recover the smuggled money.” However, his opponents have questioned the seriousness of his pledges in this regard.
