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Morocco World
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Algerian Spy Ring Behind Amir DZ Kidnapping Exposed
Doha – France's anti-terrorism authorities have uncovered a complex Algerian intelligence operation on French soil. Four more suspects were indicted Friday in the kidnapping of Algerian opposition figure Amir Boukhors, known as Amir DZ. According to exclusive revelations by L'Express, French investigators have identified three Algerian spies who allegedly orchestrated the operation. The French magazine, citing two sources close to the case, reported that local criminals from Pontault-Combault were hired to execute the abduction. The opposition influencer was kidnapped on April 29, 2024, near his home in Val-de-Marne. A commando team posing as police officers intercepted him around 11:30 p.m. They transported him to a waste disposal site in Pontault-Combault where four additional accomplices were waiting. Boukhors was forcibly drugged with Zopiclone, a powerful sedative found later in his bloodstream. He woke up in a prefabricated building around 10 a.m. the next morning, guarded by two women who had been paid €1,000 each. An anti-terrorism French judge's investigation reveals a shocking conclusion. The kidnapping aimed to forcibly transfer the influencer to Algeria via Spain, where a 20-year prison sentence awaited him. This mirrors the attempted abduction of dissident Hichem Aboud on October 17, 2024, in Barcelona. Three-tier operation structure Investigators from France's DGSI (internal intelligence) and the Paris criminal brigade believe three types of actors participated in this extraordinary operation: Algerian officials, intermediaries, and hired muscle. The scheme was carefully structured to avoid direct links between Algerian authorities and the kidnappers. In addition to S.R., an Algerian consular agent already in custody, two Algerian diplomats played key roles. According to police, they are actually a non-commissioned officer and an officer of the DGDSE, Algeria's foreign intelligence services. S.S. worked at the Algerian embassy in Paris under diplomatic cover as first secretary. He is suspected of actively participating by surveilling Amir Boukhors multiple times. His phone pinged near the influencer's car when a tracking device was likely installed. The money trail provides damning evidence. On the night of April 29-30, S.S. withdrew €2,000 from an ATM in eastern Paris at 2:19 a.m.—exactly matching the amount promised to the two 'guards,' according to Boukhors' police statements. Telephone location data places the suspects at strategic locations. The two officials' phones pinged at the Créteil consulate, along with K.S.M. and S.L., two men with criminal records now indicted and imprisoned alongside the consular agent. Later that night, several suspects' phones registered near the Pontault-Combault waste site. Recruited criminals and escape Among the newly indicted men, at least one belongs to the Romani community of Pontault-Combault. Amir Boukhors formally identified him as the man who handcuffed him on the night of the abduction. These 'muscle men' reportedly acted not out of ideology but for substantial payment. Boukhors was eventually released in a forest during the night of April 30 to May 1. Hours after the influencer's release, S.R. boarded a flight from Orly to Algiers. When he returned to France in April 2025, investigators arrested him after noticing he had once again approached Boukhors' residence. Diplomatic espionage network The investigation has exposed a broader intelligence operation. H.B., deputy consul in Créteil, allegedly recruited and manipulated two French civil servants at the Ministry of Finance and the French Immigration Office (OFII) to obtain addresses of Algerian political refugees in France, including Amir Boukhors. The Finance Ministry official, previously awarded the internal security medal in 2017, was initially recruited through 'friendship' before being subjected to blackmail. This official then convinced a department head at OFII to collaborate with Algerian intelligence services. Legal actions and diplomatic crisis The French judge has qualified the operation as an 'association of terrorist criminals.' According to the investigating judge, the kidnapping aimed to send an intimidation message to all Algerian opposition figures. Attorney Eric Plouvier, representing Amir DZ, has requested an international arrest warrant against S.S. from the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT). The two diplomats implicated as intelligence officers reportedly left France months ago. The arrests have intensified the diplomatic crisis between Paris and Algiers. Denying any involvement in Amir DZ's kidnapping, the Tebboune regime retaliated by expelling 12 French agents from Algeria. France applied the same measure in return. The crisis escalated further when Algeria demanded the immediate repatriation of fifteen additional French agents on Sunday, May 11. Ongoing investigation Several aspects of the case remain unresolved. At least four commando members have not yet been arrested. A source close to the case claims one of the 'muscle men' has previously been convicted of homicide. The investigation raises a troubling question: how high in the Algerian power structure was this 'terrorist' operation approved? In September 2024, General Rochdi Fethi Moussaoui, who was DGDSE station chief in Paris at the time of the events, was promoted to DGDSE director in Algiers by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. He has since maintained he 'was not aware' of the unprecedented aggression. This case lays bare the ruthless and brazen infiltration of Algerian intelligence services deep into French territory, sending shockwaves through diplomatic circles and exposing the regime's relentless pursuit of silencing critics at any cost. The shocking operation shows Algeria's desperate willingness to violate international law, sovereign borders, and diplomatic protocols in its vicious campaign to crush opposition voices, no matter where they seek refuge. This flagrant state-sponsored terrorism demonstrates the Algerian regime's paranoid obsession with eliminating dissent, weaponizing diplomatic missions as fronts for violent abductions, and trampling on France's national security with complete disregard for consequences—a stark warning that no political exile is beyond the reach of Algiers' vindictive grasp.
Morocco World
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Algeria's Covert Campaign Against France Pushes Diplomatic Tensions to the Brink
Rabat – In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, Le Journal du Dimanche (Lejdd) has revealed a comprehensive investigation into clandestine operations allegedly orchestrated by the Algerian regime on French soil. According to the Lejdd, the Algerian government, under President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has been actively involved in a campaign to suppress opposition voices abroad. The exposé details a series of covert activities aimed at silencing political dissidents and exerting influence over the Algerian diaspora in France. A senior French security official, speaking on condition of anonymity to Lejdd, asserts, 'We possess concrete knowledge; Algerian services did not act independently.' This includes attempts to abduct and/or intimidate prominent dissidents residing in France, such as YouTuber Amir DZ and journalist Abdou Semmar. In one instance, Semmar was reportedly attacked in the Paris region, with his assailant fleeing to Algeria shortly thereafter. The French authorities have linked these incidents to operatives connected to the Algerian embassy, suggesting a coordinated effort to target critics of the regime. The French Foreign Ministry has responded punitively by requesting that diplomatic immunity be lifted for the first secretary of the Algerian embassy – a move that demonstrates the severity of the situation. The individual in question is suspected of playing a pivotal role in coordinating these clandestine operations. This unprecedented request reflects growing frustration within the French government over what it perceives as blatant violations of its sovereignty. Lejdd's investigation reveals that the Algerian regime may be executing a broader strategy to maintain control over its diaspora and suppress dissenting voices. By targeting influential figures abroad, the government looks to deter criticism and reinforce its authority. This approach has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and the use of state resources to stifle opposition. Writers like Boualem Sansal and Kamel Daoud, both celebrated for their outspoken commentary and literary work, have also experienced sustained pressure and defamation campaigns originating from within Algeria. Despite living in France, their critiques of the Algerian regime have made them persistent targets of state-aligned rhetoric and, at times, orchestrated media attacks. Their cases reflect a wider pattern: rather than engaging with dissent in the realm of ideas, authorities are increasingly opting for tactics of marginalization and character assassination to silence critics, even when they reside abroad. Diplomatic freeze These revelations have further strained the already complex relationship between France and Algeria. The French government is now faced with a significant challenge: how to address these covert activities while maintaining diplomatic ties. Tensions between France and Algeria also remain at a standstill following Algeria's sudden expulsion of twelve French officials in mid-April, a move that prompted reciprocal measures from Paris. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described the relationship as 'completely frozen'. Despite a visit by French lawmakers to Algeria this week to mark the anniversary of the May 8, 1945, massacres in Sétif, Barrot stressed that the diplomatic freeze persists. 'These massacres deserve to be commemorated,' he said, noting that the French embassy in Algiers laid a wreath for the occasion. 'But the relationship remains blocked.' France's Ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, recalled by President Emmanuel Macron, remains in Paris with no date set for his return. Barrot placed the blame squarely on Algiers, calling the expulsions 'brutal' and lamenting the personal toll on the affected staff. 'These are men and women who had to leave their homes, their children, and their families overnight,' he said. When asked whether further retaliation is on the table, Barrot pointed to previous restrictions placed on the movement of Algerian officials in France, adding, 'I won't rule out taking more. I won't say when I will or won't. That's how diplomacy works.' Moreover, according to information obtained by Lejdd, French President Emmanuel Macron has requested detailed reports to better assess the current state of relations with Algeria and determine how he should navigate the issue for the remainder of his term. He has received several briefings, including in-depth notes from his diplomatic team and the North Africa-Middle East department of the French Foreign Ministry. The ongoing hostility between Algeria and France is no mere coincidence; it is rooted in deeper political dynamics, particularly in the context of France's support for Morocco's territorial integrity. In July of last year, France officially recognized Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces in the Western Sahara with a letter from President Emmanuel Macron to King Mohammed VI. In the letter, Macron affirmed that the present and future of Western Sahara lie under Morocco's control, endorsing the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as the sole viable solution to the long-standing dispute. This move was followed by a State visit in October, during which Macron reiterated the decision in the Moroccan parliament, emphasizing that France's stance was not meant to antagonize any country. His comments were a direct response to Algeria's ongoing efforts to undermine France's position, as the Algerian regime has long supported the Polisario Front and its destabilizing actions against Morocco. Despite Algeria's attempts to challenge Morocco's territorial integrity and meddle in its affairs, France's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty marked a clear-cut shift. As investigations continue, the international community watches closely to see how France will respond. Tags: Algeriadiplomatic freezeFranceFrance Algeria riftWestern sahara
Al Jazeera
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
France expels 12 Algerian officials as tensions escalate
France says it will expel 12 Algerian diplomatic and consular staff members and has recalled its ambassador from Algiers, deepening a crisis that threatens to unravel months of attempted reconciliation between the two countries. The announcement on Tuesday comes a day after Algeria ordered 12 French diplomats to leave within 48 hours. Algiers announced the expulsions after French prosecutors indicted three Algerian nationals, including a consular official, over the alleged kidnapping of a prominent government critic in Paris last year. The activist, Amir Boukhors – better known to his more than one million TikTok followers as 'Amir DZ' – was granted asylum in France in 2023. He was abducted in a Paris suburb in April last year and released the next day. French authorities said the three suspects are also facing charges of 'terrorist' conspiracy. It is the first time France has detained an employee of the Algerian consulate, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between Paris and the former French colony. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Monday that the expulsions were directly linked to the arrests. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs noted that Algeria's move, if carried out, would mark the first expulsion of French diplomats from the country since its independence in 1962. Algeria, which has issued nine international arrest warrants for Boukhors on charges including fraud and 'terrorism', is demanding his extradition. The escalation comes despite recent overtures between the two countries. Just a week earlier, Barrot met with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and declared bilateral relations had returned to normal after a period of simmering tensions. French President Emmanuel Macron's backing of Morocco's autonomy plan for the disputed region of Western Sahara last year sparked outrage in Algiers. The jailing of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal by an Algerian court last month only added to the strain with Macron calling for his release.
Al Jazeera
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
France to expel 12 Algerian diplomats as tensions escalate
France says it will expel 12 Algerian diplomatic and consular staff members and has recalled its ambassador from Algiers, deepening a crisis that threatens to unravel months of attempted reconciliation between the two countries. The announcement on Tuesday comes a day after Algeria ordered 12 French diplomats to leave within 48 hours. Algiers announced the expulsions after French prosecutors indicted three Algerian nationals, including a consular official, over the alleged kidnapping of a prominent government critic in Paris last year. The activist, Amir Boukhors – better known to his more than one million TikTok followers as 'Amir DZ' – was granted asylum in France in 2023. He was abducted in a Paris suburb in April last year and released the next day. French authorities said the three suspects are also facing charges of 'terrorist' conspiracy. It is the first time France has detained an employee of the Algerian consulate, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between Paris and the former French colony. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Monday that the expulsions were directly linked to the arrests. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs noted that Algeria's move, if carried out, would mark the first expulsion of French diplomats from the country since its independence in 1962. Algeria, which has issued nine international arrest warrants for Boukhors on charges including fraud and 'terrorism', is demanding his extradition. The escalation comes despite recent overtures between the two countries. Just a week earlier, Barrot met with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and declared bilateral relations had returned to normal after a period of simmering tensions. French President Emmanuel Macron's backing of Morocco's autonomy plan for the disputed region of Western Sahara last year sparked outrage in Algiers. The jailing of French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal by an Algerian court last month only added to the strain with Macron calling for his release.
New York Times
15-04-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Algeria Expels 12 French Officials as Tensions Rise
Tensions between France and Algeria, never far from the surface, have flared again as Algeria moved to expel 12 officials working at the French Embassy and consulates. The Algerian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that the French officials had been given 48 hours to leave the country. Algeria's decision followed the arrest in France on Friday of an Algerian official accused of involvement in the kidnapping last year of an Algerian influencer known as 'Amir DZ.' 'This disgraceful act, by which the minister of the interior sought to humiliate Algeria, was perpetrated with no regard for the consular status of the agent,' Algeria's foreign ministry said in a statement. France reacted with threats of its own. 'We are ready to act,' said Jean-Noël Barrot, the French foreign minister. 'The Algerian authorities only have a few hours left to reverse their decision.' The Algerian official was indicted on suspicion of 'arrest, abduction, unlawful confinement or arbitrary detention in connection with a terrorist undertaking,' French national antiterrorism prosecutors said in a statement. He and two other people have been detained. 'Amir DZ' has been living in France since 2016 and was granted political asylum in 2023. For years, Algeria has demanded his extradition, issuing nine international arrest warrants on accusations of fraud and terrorist offenses. French courts rejected the request. 'Neither societies have moved on from trauma, so there are always people in Algeria and in France who have an interest in torpedoing this climate of appeasement,' Khadija Mohsen-Finan, a political scientist with a focus on the Arab world and North Africa and an associate researcher at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. France ruled Algeria for more than a century, as a colony and then a part of its territory. Algeria won its independence in 1962, after a devastating war, but tensions between the two countries have remained almost constant. Last week, Mr. Barrot visited Algiers in an attempt to revive relations and put to rest an almost yearlong diplomatic crisis. The relationship had seemed to ease when President Emmanuel Macron called his Algerian counterpart, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in late March. But the conciliation proved illusory. Relations have been particularly bad since last summer, when Mr. Macron announced French support of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, a territory whose control Algeria disputes. The situation was aggravated by the arrest last November in Algiers of an Algerian French writer, Boualem Sansal, on accusations of undermining national unity and security. Mr. Macron, alongside many intellectuals and officials, was outraged. He has called for the release of the author, believed to be 80, who was sentenced to five years in prison in late March.
