The Algiers Court of Appeal is scheduled to reopen the "Imetal corruption" file on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn considerable public attention. This high-profile case involves several prominent defendants, including former Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production Ali Aoun. Among those implicated are Ali Aoun's son, Mehdi Aoun, and S. Nour El Din, who serves as the Director General of the "Fondale" institution. Also named in the proceedings is businessman Nounou Manita (نونو مانيطا) from Oran province (وهران), whose involvement has added another layer of complexity to the investigation. Further, B. Karim (ب. كريم), the CEO of the "Sider El Hadjar" (سيدار الحجار) complex, is also directly implicated in the ongoing legal proceedings, noting the breadth of the alleged corruption across various sectors.
The charges against those implicated are extensive and serious, encompassing a wide range of alleged financial misconduct. These accusations include the granting of illegal contracts, a practice that undermines fair competition and public trust. Defendants also face allegations of receiving undue benefits, suggesting a pattern of illicit enrichment. A major component of the charges is the embezzlement of public funds, which points to the misuse of state resources for personal gain. The legal framework of the case includes accusations of the abuse of influence, where positions of power were allegedly leveraged for personal advantage, and abuse of office, indicating a breach of official duties. The more severe allegations extend to money laundering, an attempt to conceal the origins of illegally obtained funds, and bribery, involving the offering or acceptance of illicit payments. The reopening of the case by the Algiers Court of Appeal follows previous proceedings related to these alleged financial crimes, indicating a continued pursuit of justice in this complex matter.
Previous Convictions Detailed
The Sidi M'hamed Economic and Financial Penal Court previously issued a detailed decision on April 20, 2026, outlining the sentences for several individuals implicated in the Imetal corruption case. On that specific date, the court ordered the imprisonment of former Minister Ali Aoun, convicting him of the charges brought against him. He was sentenced to five years in prison along a substantial fine of 1 million Algerian Dinars. The court further sentenced 'A. Abdel Nour', widely known as 'Nounou Manita', to a significant term of 10 years in prison, in addition to a fine of 1 million Algerian Dinars, reflecting the gravity of his alleged involvement. Investor Sami Bouqataia received an equally severe sentence, mirroring that of Nounou Manita, facing 10 years in prison and a fine of 1 million Algerian Dinars for his role in the case.
Ali Aoun's son, Mehdi Aoun, was also found guilty and sentenced to six years in prison during the same proceedings, accompanied by a fine of 200,000 Algerian Dinars. The Director General of "Fondale," S. Nour El Din, and B. Karim, the CEO of "Sider El Hadjar," each received a sentence of three years in prison and a fine of 1 million Algerian Dinars, indicating their culpability in the alleged schemes. Economic operator Cherfaoui Mohamed and horse racing club president Kouara Abdel Halim were likewise convicted, with each individual sentenced to five years in prison and a fine of 1 million Algerian Dinars. These sentences show the court's findings regarding their participation in the corrupt activities.
In addition to these individual penalties, the court mandated that each convicted defendant in the case must pay a substantial fine of 1 million Algerian Dinars to the public treasury, serving as a punitive measure and a means of recovering illicit gains. The accused company involved in the case, whose actions contributed to the alleged offenses, was ordered to pay 5 million Algerian Dinars in compensation for the damages caused by the alleged offenses, emphasizing the financial repercussions for corporate involvement in corruption.
Acquittals in Prior Ruling
The prior court ruling on April 20, 2026, also saw several individuals acquitted of all charges, indicating that not all defendants were found culpable. Among those cleared was Cherifdine Amara, who previously held the prominent position of President of the Algerian Football Federation. Ayem Cherrit, General Manager for a Chinese car brand dealership, also received an acquittal, clearing his name from the allegations. Additionally, company manager Attia was acquitted of all charges, with the court finding insufficient evidence to convict. Pharmaceutical company managers Amraoui Abdelkader and Habes Mohamed were similarly found not guilty in the initial proceedings, concluding their involvement in the case without conviction.
Case Background and Charges
The "Imetal corruption" case involves former Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production Ali Aoun, whose past ministerial role places him at the center of the investigation into alleged widespread corruption. Among the other defendants is businessman Nounou Manita (نونو مانيطا) from Oran province (وهران), whose business dealings are under scrutiny. B. Karim (ب. كريم), the CEO of the "Sider El Hadjar" (سيدار الحجار) complex, is also implicated in the ongoing proceedings, suggesting that the alleged corruption spanned multiple state-affiliated enterprises and private entities. The full nature of the charges, including granting illegal contracts, receiving undue benefits, embezzlement of public funds, abuse of influence, abuse of office, money laundering, and bribery, paints a picture of systemic financial misconduct that the Algiers Court of Appeal is now tasked with re-examining. The broad scope of these allegations notes the significant impact the case has had on public discourse regarding transparency and accountability within the nation's economic and political spheres.
