Algeria’s ex-minister of industry jailed in high-profile corruption case | Corruption News
Former Algerian Minister Sentenced to Five Years in Corruption Case
By Al Jazeera Staff
Published on April 21, 2026
Former Algerian Industry Minister Ali Aoun has received a five-year prison sentence following his conviction on corruption charges, according to local media reports.
Aoun, who served as the minister for industry and pharmaceutical production from 2022 to 2024, was sentenced Monday as part of a high-profile corruption case that involved several other senior officials. The Algerian online news outlet Dzair Tube reported that prosecutors had originally sought a 12-year sentence for Aoun and 10-year sentences for other defendants. In addition to his prison term, Aoun was fined 1 million Algerian dinars, approximately $7,500.
The charges stemmed from irregular transactions involving the sale of ferrous and non-ferrous metal waste, which violated public asset management regulations. According to Dzair Tube, authorities alleged corruption, mismanagement, and the unlawful awarding of industrial and investment contracts, specifically regarding the trade of ferrous waste and copper residues.
The French news agency AFP noted that while several officials were convicted in this case, some were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. Among those convicted is Aoun’s son, Mehdi Aoun, who received a six-year prison sentence. Other individuals involved in the case, including investors and a state-owned business official, were sentenced to prison terms ranging from three to ten years.
This case highlights the ongoing anti-corruption campaign initiated by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who has been in office since 2019 following widespread pro-democracy protests. Tebboune’s initiative aims to address corruption among senior officials, including those associated with former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s administration.
