The DGSN Announces the Extradition and Arrest of Belhasni Yacoub
BY: Hana Saada
Algiers, October 11, 2023 – The General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) has announced the arrest and extradition of Belhasni Yacoub, who was the subject of multiple international arrest warrants issued by the courts. This development, a result of tireless coordination between Algerian security services and proactive diplomatic efforts, marks a momentous achievement in the quest for justice and the restoration of trust.
In an official press release issued on Wednesday, the DGSN provided crucial details of the arrest, emphasizing the importance of the collaborative efforts that made this operation possible. Belhasni Yacoub, the fugitive at the center of the investigation, was brought into custody under the watchful eye of the authorities upon his arrival at Algiers airport. Yacoub arrived aboard an Air Algérie flight from Frankfurt, Germany, where he had previously managed to evade capture.
The arrest and extradition of Belhasni Yacoub represent the culmination of a comprehensive operation that required meticulous planning, intelligence sharing, and the unwavering determination of Algerian security forces. Furthermore, it underscores the essential role played by Algerian diplomacy in facilitating this extradition.
The saga of Belhasni Yacoub’s criminal activities has been a matter of international concern. As reported by the Algerian Press Service (APS) in September 2022, Belhasni Yacoub faced multiple charges of serious fraud, with former ministers, political figures, and diplomats among his victims. His criminal activities extended beyond Algerian borders, with Yacoub believed to have operated from Greece, where he continued to evade the grasp of justice.
The Prosecutor’s Office of the Bir Mourad Raïs Court has provided additional information about the apprehension of Yacoub, revealing that the 22-year-old individual hails from the wilaya of Tipasa. Despite his relatively young age, Yacoub had managed to establish a criminal network that spanned international borders, causing considerable harm to his victims and challenging the abilities of law enforcement agencies worldwide.
The arrest and extradition of Belhasni Yacoub send a clear message that no individual is beyond the reach of justice, and that those who engage in criminal activities will be pursued relentlessly. The collaborative efforts of Algerian security forces and the effective use of diplomacy in this operation exemplify the nation’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
