Algeria Bolsters Anti-Money Laundering Efforts with New Security Agreement

Strategic Partnership to Combat Financial Crime

In a significant move to reinforce its national framework against financial illicit activities, Algeria's Directorate General of National Security (DGSN) and the Financial Intelligence Processing Unit (CTRF) formalized a cooperation agreement on September 22, 2025. The accord is designed to intensify efforts in combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The signing ceremony, held at the DGSN headquarters, saw Ali Badaoui, Director General of National Security, and Mohamed Saoudia, President of the CTRF, affix their signatures to the document. This partnership underscores Algeria's commitment to addressing persistent challenges posed by financial crimes, which authorities acknowledge as undermining the national economy and credibility.

Key Provisions and Enhanced Cooperation

The newly signed agreement outlines several key provisions aimed at fostering a more robust and coordinated approach to financial crime. These include:

• Establishing a secure and rapid system for information exchange between the DGSN and CTRF.
• Facilitating the joint use of international cooperation tools to track and disrupt illicit financial flows.
• Implementing enhanced joint training programs and expertise-sharing activities for personnel from both institutions.
• Developing an annual joint plan for crime prevention.
• Strengthening cooperation in conducting parallel financial investigations.
• Working towards the systematic dismantling of operational barriers that have historically limited collaboration.

These measures are expected to streamline operations and improve the effectiveness of Algeria's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) regime.

Context of Ongoing Reforms and International Scrutiny

This agreement comes as Algeria continues its efforts to strengthen its financial oversight and combat corruption. The country remains on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, indicating that it is actively working to address strategic deficiencies in its AML/CFT framework. Furthermore, Algeria was ranked 133rd globally in Transparency International's 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index. Money laundering in Algeria is frequently linked to organized criminal activities such as drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, corruption, and contraband. In response to these challenges and international recommendations, Algeria has recently enacted legislative changes, including Law 23-01 of February 7, 2023, which criminalizes the financing of weapons of mass destruction proliferation, and amendments to Law 05-01 (2005) to bolster AML/CFT measures. The CTRF, established by executive decree in 2002, plays a central role in processing suspicious transaction reports and coordinating national policies in line with FATF recommendations.