France Investigates Finance Ministry Employee for Alleged Espionage on Behalf of Algeria
A French Ministry of Finance employee is under investigation for alleged espionage, providing sensitive information on Algerian asylum seekers to the Algerian Consulate. This comes amid worsening France-Algeria relations, exacerbated by recent political developments. The case reflects ongoing challenges in diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.
hassan benyoub 
A French Ministry of Finance employee has been placed under formal investigation for suspected espionage on behalf of Algeria. The employee is accused of providing details about Algerian asylum seekers, including known opponents of the current Algerian administration, to a contact at the Algerian Consulate in Créteil, a suburb of Paris.
Background and Investigation Details
- Investigation Initiation: The investigation began in December 2024, indicating that there are strong or established evidence pointing to the employee's potential involvement in a crime. This does not necessarily mean the employee will be convicted or brought to trial.
- Allegations: The employee is accused of regularly communicating with a person working at the Algerian Consulate in Créteil, passing on sensitive information about Algerian asylum seekers.
Diplomatic Context
- France-Algeria Relations: The investigation comes amid deteriorating relations between France and Algeria. Tensions escalated after French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara, a move that angered Algeria.
- Recent Diplomatic Developments: France recently threatened to reconsider a decades-old agreement facilitating travel for Algerian citizens if Algeria does not agree to accept individuals France wishes to deport.
Parallel Investigations
- Additional Cases: The same investigation led to a social services employee at the French Office for Immigration and Integration being placed under formal investigation for allegedly disclosing confidential information about asylum seekers and violating professional secrecy rules.
Conclusion
The investigation highlights the strained diplomatic relations between France and Algeria, which have been exacerbated by recent political developments. As tensions continue to rise, incidents like this underscore the challenges in maintaining trust and cooperation between the two nations.
