ALGIERS, ALGERIA — The government of Algeria has suspended the head of grain agency OAIC and closed 45 mills as part of a probe into an alleged corruption case, according to Reuters.
Mohamed Belabdi, head of OAIC, has been accused of “inflating bills and making false statements,” according to sources cited by Reuters. The news agency said Belabdi will remain suspended until the completion of investigations into the allegations.
In addition to the action taken against Belabdi, the government of Algeria has decided to shutter a total of 45 mills suspected to be involved in the alleged corruption case, Reuters said.
According to Reuters, OAIC has a monopoly over wheat imports, and purchases 7 million to 8 million tonnes of wheat annually through international tenders in order to supply flour mills.
