Political rivalries in Algiers deepen as Chinese companies are named in an anti-corruption probe into Africa’s biggest road project
State prosecutors have ordered more arrests this month, as investigations intensify into the Chinese companies and European middlemen dealing with Algeria’s US$12 billion East-West Highway project. The probes, which started last September, are driven partly by a power struggle between President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and some top generals. Investigators say they have uncovered a system of kickbacks and illegal commissions linked to Algeria’s security services, senior directors in the Public Works Ministry, European banks and French businessman Pierre Falcone, who last year was gaoled for six years for his role in the Angolagate arms scandal....
(This article contains approximately 1072 words)
