• Algeria’s police (DGSN) and financial intelligence unit (CTRF) signed an agreement to step up information-sharing on money laundering, terrorism financing, and arms proliferation.
• The partnership includes joint training, international cooperation tools, and an annual prevention plan.
• Algeria remains on FATF’s grey list and ranked 133rd globally in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index.

Algeria’s national police (DGSN) and the Financial Intelligence Processing Unit (CTRF) signed an agreement on September 22 to boost cooperation against money laundering, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The deal establishes a secure and rapid system for information exchange, joint use of international cooperation tools, and enhanced joint training programs. It also calls for regular knowledge-sharing between the two institutions.

Authorities said the partnership will include an annual prevention plan, parallel financial investigations, and the removal of operational barriers that limit collaboration.

Money laundering in Algeria is often linked to organized crimes such as drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, corruption, and contraband. The government acknowledged that the phenomenon remains a major challenge undermining the economy and damaging the country’s credibility.

To address the issue, Algeria created the National Committee for Risk Assessment on Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing and strengthened the CTRF’s role in coordinating national policies, in line with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations.

Despite these measures, Algeria remains on the FATF grey list and ranked 133rd globally in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).

This article was initially published in French by Ingrid Haffiny (Trainee)

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum