French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin visited Algeria this week to coordinate efforts against the "DZ" mafia and recover looted assets [1].
This cooperation marks a significant shift in bilateral relations, as both nations seek to dismantle a criminal network that has terrorized southern France while siphoning funds abroad [1, 2].
During the official visit, Darmanin met with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Justice Minister Lotfi Boughamoua. The discussions focused on the activities of the "DZ" mafia, an organized crime group primarily operating out of Marseille [1, 2]. The group's influence in southern France has created a persistent security challenge for French authorities.
A central component of the talks involved the repatriation of illicit funds. Algeria has submitted approximately 100 requests to recover looted money and assets that were transferred abroad [1]. The two countries are now working to coordinate the legal, and financial mechanisms required to return these assets to the Algerian state.
The diplomatic breakthrough comes after a period of strained relations. The visit follows more than two years of diplomatic tension between France and Algeria [1]. By focusing on mutual security interests and the shared goal of combating transnational crime, the two governments are attempting to stabilize their partnership.
Officials said the recovery of these assets is a matter of both economic interest and national security. The "DZ" mafia's ability to move capital across borders has allowed it to sustain its operations in Marseille and beyond, necessitating a joint judicial response from Algiers and Paris [1, 2].
“Algeria has submitted approximately 100 requests to recover looted money and assets transferred abroad.”
The agreement to target the 'DZ' mafia suggests that shared security threats are outweighing long-standing diplomatic frictions between France and Algeria. By focusing on the tangible goal of asset recovery and the dismantling of organized crime in Marseille, both nations are using judicial cooperation as a bridge to restore broader diplomatic ties.
