Algeria is at a critical juncture in its fight against corruption. Innovative strategies are being implemented to recover misappropriated funds and restore public trust. This article explores these new approaches, their implications, and their potential effectiveness. In 2025, Algeria appears determined to turn the page on corruption and usher in a new era of transparency and accountability.
Algeria’s New Criminal Procedure Code: An Innovative Solution for Economic Crimes
Algeria is set to adopt a new criminal procedure code that introduces alternatives to criminal prosecutions for certain economic crimes. This major legal reform primarily aims to facilitate the recovery of misappropriated public funds. Since 2019, numerous trials have targeted former senior officials and businesspeople for corruption and embezzlement of public funds.
However, despite severe prison sentences, only a fraction of the diverted funds has been recovered by the state. The new criminal procedure code proposes innovative solutions to address this issue.
Legislative Measures for Effective Recovery of Diverted Funds
The draft law, presented by Justice Minister Lotfi Boudjemaa, includes several measures to streamline the recovery of misappropriated funds. These include deferring prosecutions in exchange for the return of diverted funds and assets, as well as strengthening mediation as an alternative to criminal prosecution.
The legislation also enhances the powers of the public prosecutor’s office. Another key measure regulates the management of seized assets, allowing their settlement before a final court ruling. This initiative aims to prevent prolonged retention of these assets and expedite their return to the state.
Creation of a National Agency for Managing Frozen, Seized, or Confiscated Funds
The draft law also proposes the establishment of a national agency dedicated to managing frozen, seized, or confiscated funds. This institution will fill the institutional gap in managing criminal proceeds and facilitate the recovery of assets diverted abroad. Additionally, the legislation introduces reforms to protect local officials, improve the handling of criminal cases, digitize procedures, and simplify processes.
It also envisions revising the immediate appearance system and expanding the use of penal orders for all offenses, thereby strengthening individual rights and freedoms.
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