Popular Algerian tycoon and former ETRHB Group CEO Ali Haddad risks getting an additional three years in prison over a new case of overbilling and collecting undue advantages presumed to date back to 2016-2017, local news sources confirmed.
The long-time ally of the late former Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika appeared before a court in Fellaoucene yesterday. He made the appearance alongside his brother, Ameziane Haddad, executives from the Port of Oran, heads of departments and trade unionists.
While the Haddad brothers were tried for forgery, other defendants were charged for abuse of office and other criminal offenses.
If found culpable, the Haddad brothers risk three years in prison, while the other defendants risk up to four years in prison for gross negligence and abuse of office.
This is not the first time Haddad has been accused of fraud and financial crimes. In May 2019, he was arrested on the Algerian-Tunisian border while attempting to escape to Tunisia. He was accused of using the influence of Bouteflika’s inner circle to perpetrate financial crimes.
In addition, he was caught with three passports, obtained illicitly. In this view, he was sentenced to an initial 18 years in prison, which was subsequently reduced to 12 years.
Haddad, who was also the former president of the FCE (Business Leaders Forum), is one of Algeria’s richest men. Alongside his brothers, he founded ETRHB Haddad Group in 1987.
ETRHB Haddad Group is an Algerian private group that specializes in the construction and public works sector.s It is actively involved in tourism and hospitality, logistics, hydraulic, maritime, public works, building and sporting activities.
Reacting to the recent development from the prison of Lambese-Tazoult (Batna), the tycoon rejected the notion that he tried to cut corners using his personal relationships with port officials.
‘’I have nothing to do with this matter. There was a sworn forwarder who took care of relations with the port management and customs, and I was not authorized to give him instructions,’’ Haddad said.
The billionaire further explained that the port owed his company a large sum and expressed his displeasure over the fact that neither the forwarder, nor the port’s CEO was heard in court.
