Bellat CEO Exposes Attempted Blackmail: “Give Me a Sponsorship or I’ll Say Your Products Cause Cancer”

Bellat CEO Exposes Attempted Blackmail: “Give Me a Sponsorship or I’ll Say Your Products Cause Cancer”

✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria– Friday, July 18, 2025 | In a shocking and unprecedented revelation that has gripped Algerian public discourse, Mourad Mellah, CEO of Bellat Group, one of the country’s leading food industry conglomerates, disclosed that he was the target of a brazen blackmail attempt involving threats to falsely accuse the company of producing carcinogenic goods unless he granted a personal sponsorship.

According to Mellah, the individual behind the extortion—a woman—delivered a chilling ultimatum: “Sponsor me or my father, or we will accuse your products of causing cancer.” Unwilling to submit to coercion, Mellah made the courageous decision to bring the matter into the public eye, denouncing the act as unethical and a direct attack on a national company that has built its reputation on quality and transparency.

The public reaction was swift and powerful. Social media users across platforms expressed resounding solidarity with Mellah and Bellat, denouncing the attempted defamation as symptomatic of a growing and dangerous trend of cyber-extortion targeting successful Algerian enterprises.

Beyond the personal nature of the incident, the episode reignited broader concerns about the weaponization of social media and online influence in Algeria, where some individuals leverage false narratives and unfounded accusations for personal gain or vendettas. Users and commentators alike called for firm legal safeguards and stricter enforcement against those who exploit digital platforms to blackmail or damage the reputations of responsible corporate actors.

Bellat Group, a flagship in Algeria’s agri-food sector, has for years been a model of industrial integrity, winning the trust of local and international markets alike through its unwavering commitment to quality standards and health compliance. The company boasts a portfolio of prestigious certifications, including multiple ISO standards for food safety and management excellence, and it employs state-of-the-art technologies in processing and packaging operations.

Its strategic vision has enabled Bellat to expand well beyond Algeria’s borders, exporting to markets in France, Spain, Italy, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, and others. Its products enjoy increasing demand, bolstered by their reputation for quality and adherence to international health benchmarks. The group’s international footprint is further supported by strong strategic alliances with global distribution and food marketing partners, as well as cross-border technical collaborations aimed at advancing expertise and optimizing production systems.

Looking ahead, Bellat aims to penetrate new markets across Sub-Saharan Africa and the Gulf region, banking on its identity as a fully integrated, competitive Algerian industrial player. The group’s trajectory continues to reflect the values of discipline, excellence, and ethical entrepreneurship, even amid attempts to derail its progress through defamation and intimidation.

This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities facing legitimate Algerian businesses and the urgent need for a societal and institutional framework that shields them from unjust attacks. It also highlighted the critical role of public awareness and community solidarity in safeguarding corporate credibility and economic stability.

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