Algiers- The Dar El Beida Court has scheduled September 1 for the opening of a case involving the smuggling of gold bars and cash abroad. Twelve defendants are being prosecuted for allegedly forming a transnational criminal organization, including an airport security officer working at Houari Boumediene International Airport.
The defendants will appear before the misdemeanor division of the Dar El Beida Court over serious charges including smuggling, the illegal importation of gold jewelry, money laundering through the use of facilities provided by a professional activity as part of an organized criminal group, and violations of legislation and regulations governing foreign exchange and the movement of capital to and from abroad. The charges also include failure to issue invoices and abuse of influence.
Security and judicial investigations have uncovered disturbing details about the methods allegedly used by transnational criminal networks to smuggle gold bars and cash abroad. According to investigators, the gold was transported according to a prearranged plan and then sent to clandestine workshops in Turkey, where it was melted down and reshaped before being stamped with the Italian “Goldy” brand. It was subsequently brought back into Algeria and distributed to jewelry and gold shops.
The operation allegedly involved the complicity of several employees, including airport security personnel, who facilitated the passage of the contraband through various checkpoints in exchange for benefits, gifts and sums of money reportedly reaching DZD 4 million Algerian.
According to details previously reported, the case dates back to February 19, 2025, when border police were processing Turkish Airlines flight TK0654, bound for Istanbul International Airport. At the final boarding checkpoint for the flight—Departure Gate 07 at the Western International Terminal (T4), which leads directly to the aircraft via Tunnel 16—officers caught a passenger identified as B. Reda in the act of attempting to smuggle a substantial quantity of gold and undeclared foreign currency.
The items were reportedly concealed inside his shoes and underwear, as well as in the inner pockets of an elastic fabric belt fastened around his waist.
During the inventory and weighing operation, authorities seized 14 rectangular gold bars of varying sizes—small, medium and large—which bore no official hallmark or other identifying stamps. The total weight was reported at 9.590 kilograms (9,590 grams).
Authorities also seized cash in several foreign currencies, including more than €10,000, 3,065 Turkish liras, £200 sterling, £400 Egyptian pounds, 200 Saudi riyals, and 700 UAE dirhams.
