Algerian Ministry of Interior Reveals Massive Fraud Around €750 Tourist Allowance
The Algerian Ministry of Interior has uncovered a large-scale fraud scheme surrounding the €750 tourist allowance, designed to facilitate citizens' travel abroad. According to authorities, nearly 100,000 cases of fraud were detected in just one and a half months, involving fictitious trips to Tunisia and organized networks. The government has announced enhanced control measures to protect this scheme.
Fraudulent Use of Tourist Allowance by Organized Networks
The tourist allowance, intended to support citizens traveling abroad, has been exploited by organized networks. According to the Minister of Interior, some unemployed individuals were recruited to take fictitious trips, receiving the allowance multiple times and participating in illegal speculation on foreign currency. These abuses also involve complicit travel agencies that facilitated the fraud by organizing repeated and fictitious trips. Authorities estimate that this fraud has resulted in significant financial losses for the state.
Temporary Measures and Strengthened Control
In response to the scope of the fraud, the government has implemented temporary measures at border posts to limit abuses. New provisions are also planned to strengthen control and allocation procedures for the allowance, without abolishing it. Minister of Interior Saïd Sayoud emphasized that the scheme remains in place, but the state will not tolerate any abuse and will intensify surveillance to protect public funds and legitimate beneficiaries.
Implications of the Fraud
The tourist allowance fraud reveals vulnerabilities in the control system and raises questions about the management of social programs in Algeria. It also highlights the strategies used by networks to exploit public aid through fictitious trips and the complicity of certain private structures. Authorities warn that sanctions against fraudsters will be severe and urge citizens and agencies to respect the rules to benefit from the allowance in a legitimate manner.
Government Response and Next Steps
The Algerian government is taking a firm stance against fraud and is committed to protecting the integrity of the tourist allowance scheme. By introducing enhanced control measures and strengthening allocation procedures, the government aims to prevent future abuses and ensure that the scheme benefits only those who are genuinely eligible. As the investigation into the fraud continues, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the measures being taken to address this issue and prevent similar cases of fraud in the future.
