Assets of Tebboune’s sons in France face potential asset-freezing measures

French newspaper L’Express recently suggested that France could freeze the assets of about 20 Algerian dignitaries who hold assets in the European country. Reports indicate that Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune may find himself at the center of a new scandal following revelations about his sons' financial holdings in France.

Mohamed Sifaoui, a French-Algerian investigative journalist, disclosed that two of Tebboune’s sons, Mohamed and Khaleld, possess assets in France. Sifaoui shared his insights during an interview with Algerian journalist Abdou Semmar. He asserted that while Tebboune himself might not hold assets in France, his sons certainly do.

These assets could be subject to seizure by French authorities, potentially escalating the already strained diplomatic relations between Algeria and France. Tensions have mounted in recent months, particularly after France endorsed Morocco’s position on the Sahara conflict.

Sifaoui further revealed that Mohamed Tebboune has been assigned a government advisory role despite his lack of experience, raising concerns about the influence of nepotism within the Algerian regime. He also mentioned Mohamed’s connections with Turkish businessmen, suggesting that this involvement could lead to legal troubles for him once his father's presidency concludes.

“They own commercial properties, stock assets, etc. What we call financial assets, in other words, wealth,” Sifaoui stated. He emphasized that this information is confirmed and not speculative. The journalist criticized the Algerian president for condemning France while his sons maintain financial interests there, underscoring his commitment to accuracy in his reporting.

In a related discussion, Sifaoui and Semmar examined the hypocrisy of the Algerian ruling elite, who profess to uphold an anti-French stance while their families possess assets in France. This is not the only significant claim made by Sifaoui regarding the Algerian regime’s involvement in controversial activities.

Recent investigations have unveiled alleged clandestine operations orchestrated by the Algerian government on French territory. A report from French outlet Le Journal du Dimanche indicated that, under President Tebboune, the Algerian government has engaged in efforts to suppress dissenting voices abroad.

A senior French security official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Algerian services were not acting independently in these matters, which include attempts to intimidate or abduct prominent dissidents living in France, such as YouTuber Amir DZ and journalist Abdou Semmar.

Political tensions between Algeria and France have persisted, with France reportedly considering asset freezes for several dignitaries affiliated with the Algerian regime. Both nations have imposed reciprocal travel restrictions on officials, further straining diplomatic ties. In May, diplomatic sources revealed plans for Algeria to expel more French officials, while French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot noted that relations were “completely frozen.”