Algeria Orders Pre-Trial Detention for 13 Suspects in Eid Sheep Import Investigation
Authorities are pursuing 41 suspects over irregularities in the import of one million sheep for Eid al-Adha 2026, with investigations focusing on procurement, financial management and veterinary oversight.
BY Dr. Hana Saada
An Algerian investigating judge has ordered the pre-trial detention of 13 suspects and placed two others under judicial supervision as part of an investigation into irregularities surrounding the importation of sacrificial sheep for Eid al-Adha 2026, the Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on Saturday.
The case involves accusations of abuse of office, influence peddling, embezzlement of public funds, violations of public procurement legislation and regulations, and money laundering, according to a statement issued by Mohamed Kamal Ben Boudiaf, Public Prosecutor at the Algiers Court of Appeal.
Speaking at a press conference in Algiers, the prosecutor said the case was being handled by the Economic and Financial Criminal Pole, where 41 suspects are under investigation in connection with the operation to import one million sheep for the religious holiday.
Following hearings before the investigating judge, 13 suspects were remanded in custody, while the remaining defendants were placed under judicial supervision. According to the prosecutor, most of those not detained are supervisors of sales points and face charges related to serious negligence.
Investigation Focuses on Procurement and Veterinary Oversight
The prosecutor said the investigation was launched after the competent security services, acting on instructions from the Economic and Financial Criminal Pole, identified as serious indications of irregularities affecting the import operation.
According to the prosecution, the investigation began shortly after evidence emerged of shortcomings in an operation implemented under directives from Algeria’s highest authorities to ensure the availability of sacrificial livestock and help stabilise market prices during Eid al-Adha.
Preliminary findings identified two principal areas of concern: the first relates to veterinary and animal health procedures, while the second concerns the financial and contractual aspects of the public procurement process.
Regarding the veterinary component, the prosecution said veterinary inspectors in Béjaïa alerted the Director General of Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Agriculture after detecting symptoms of contagious diseases among imported livestock.
According to the prosecutor, no action was taken following the warning, resulting in the loss of 3,615 sheep, while 10,727 additional animals were culled for sanitary reasons. Reservations were also raised over the health status of several thousand more animals.
The investigation is continuing and includes several current and former executives and employees of the state-owned livestock company ALVIAR, including its chief executive officer, finance and accounting director, members of the procurement evaluation committee, the head of the veterinary unit, the head of the accounting department, a procurement committee member and the commercial director.
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