Authorities in Algeria have uncovered a major Houari Boumediene Airport smuggling operation after seizing €474,300 from an entrepreneur attempting to leave the country through Algiers’ main international airport. The suspect, identified as B. H. Belalia, allegedly concealed large sums of foreign currency in his luggage while posing as a member of parliament to avoid security inspections.
According to reports from the Algerian media outlet Ennahar, the suspect is a merchant based in Algiers who previously worked in the United Arab Emirates. He specialized in importing cotton yarn from Turkey, India, and Bangladesh, collaborating with Emirati and Indian business partners.
Investigators revealed that Belalia attempted to influence airport security by presenting himself as a parliamentarian during his travels. Dressed in a formal suit, he allegedly relied on his appearance and demeanor to discourage security personnel from conducting thorough luggage checks.
However, a review of surveillance camera footage later showed that the suspect consistently traveled with two suitcases. Authorities eventually discovered that the luggage contained concealed foreign currency.
Officials said the smuggling attempt was uncovered during a routine screening process at the airport. Security agents became suspicious when Belalia passed through an MRI scanner without removing his suit, prompting a closer inspection.
When authorities searched his luggage, they discovered €474,300 in cash along with 1,975 Turkish lira. Additional money was later found inside his vehicle parked at the airport, bringing the total seized amount to more than 700,000 Algerian dinars.
Investigators said the seized funds were originally linked to 10 kilograms of Emirati gold. The gold had been converted into cash and initially confiscated at the airport in 2012. According to the investigation, a court ruling in 2015 authorized the gold to be re-exported to the United Arab Emirates, after which the money was returned to Belalia.
Authorities say the suspect later divided the funds into 474 separate packages. Each bundle was carefully wrapped in aluminum foil, a technique believed to have been used to disguise the nature of the contents and potentially evade detection during airport screening.
The investigation into the Houari Boumediene Airport smuggling case also uncovered a wider criminal network. Prosecutors say the scheme involved several merchants based in Algiers as well as a well-known jeweler from the city of Blida.
Other individuals suspected of involvement include a resident of France who is reportedly active in the importation of clothing and food products from Turkey. In total, six suspects were arrested as part of the investigation.
The defendants are expected to stand trial before the Criminal Court of Dar El-Beida. They face charges related to violations of Algeria’s foreign exchange and capital transfer regulations, as well as allegations of money laundering.
During questioning, Belalia reportedly told investigators that the seized money came from his legitimate business activities in the United Arab Emirates. He claimed to have accumulated approximately 300,000 Emirati dirhams before converting the funds into gold in 2012.
According to his testimony, the assets were later legally repatriated to Algeria through multiple transactions. He denied attempting to illegally transfer the money abroad after 2013.
Belalia also argued that certain currency declarations and documents seized during the investigation belonged to another merchant living in France, not to him.
As part of the probe, authorities examined the suspect’s financial and property holdings. Investigators identified several assets linked to Belalia, including four apartments in El-Achour and a commercial property in the upscale district of Dely Ibrahim.
Officials also reviewed his bank accounts and vehicle registrations both in Algeria and abroad. During the search, authorities discovered several expired identity cards and documents allegedly used by the suspect to intimidate individuals or evade law enforcement.
The case is now being closely watched as Algerian authorities continue to crack down on currency smuggling and financial crimes at the country’s main airports. The outcome of the trial could have broader implications for enforcement of foreign exchange regulations and anti–money laundering measures in Algeria.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.