Since the resumption of these maritime activities, after the Covid-19 pandemic, Algeria Ferries has faced many obstacles which have impacted the smooth running of its activity. Among the latter, the scandal of the under-exploitation of the company’s ships, which took place during the previous summer season.
As a reminder, last June, two ships from Algeria ferries made two almost empty crossings. This is the Badji Mokhtar which had transported only 72 passengers and 25 vehicles between Marseille and Algiers. But also Tassili II which made the service between Skikda and empty Marseille, and that towards the port of Algiers with only 39 travelers and 21 vehicles. And this at a time when a large number of travelers could not find places with the national company.
Following the instructions of the President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tabboune, an investigation was launched to verify the underside of this affair. An investigation which was entrusted to the national, economic and financial criminal center and which brought down several officials of the shipping company.
Almost empty crossings of Algeria Ferries: a heavy indictment against the ex-CEO
Among the latter officials are the former CEO of the shipping company, the former vice-president, the commercial director, the head of the IT department and the station manager in Algiers. The first day of the trial of the latter took place on January 2 and was marked by a heavy indictment for the former CEO of Algeria Ferries, in this case Kamel Issad.
As a reminder, these defendants are prosecuted for illicit use of public property and funds, deliberate squandering. But also for abuse of office and illicit enrichment. Moreover, faced with the responses of the defendants who are struggling to explain the reasons for this act, the public prosecutor requested ten years in prison against the former CEO, but also against two other defendants on the run.
The public prosecutor also asked for 8 years in prison against the commercial director, B. Krim. And five years for the former vice-president, in particular C. Ikbal. In addition to these penalties, the public prosecutor demanded one million dinars for each of these defendants and the seizure of the property identified by the investigation. As for the final verdict, it is expected for January 19.
