Financial Crime World

Tunisian Prosecutor Orders Detention of Migrant Protection NGO Heads on Money Laundering Suspicions

Two heads of migrant protection associations in Tunisia have been ordered for precautionary custody on suspicion of money laundering. This decision was made by the Court of First Instance in Tunis following investigations by the National Guard Financial Crimes Research Center El Aouina.

Arrests and Allegations

  • The head of the “Tunisi Land of Asylum” association, a manager named “X,” was arrested by the National Guard.
  • Saadia Mosbah, head of the association “Mnemty,” was ordered detained last Monday.
  • Sources from “Nova Agency” revealed that both individuals are under investigation for money laundering through NGOs that exploit benefits related to migrant protection.
  • Donations in foreign currency from abroad are suspected of generating significant income for these organizations.

Investigations Involve Multiple Associations and NGOs

  • Police and intelligence units of the National Guard are collaborating with the Judicial Police of El Gorjani.
  • The crackdown comes as the Tunisian government aims to curb illegal immigration and money laundering schemes.

Tunisian President’s Response

  • Tunisian President Kais Saied confirmed expelling over 400 sub-Saharan migrants back to Libya.
  • He emphasized Tunisia’s stance against being a country for the resettlement or transit of these migrants.
  • Saied accused some Tunisians of accepting funds in 2018 to keep migrants in the country but demanded that foreign funds no longer flow primarily to migrant protection networks and associations.
  • The Tunisian Red Crescent was highlighted as the only organization capable of providing adequate assistance to these individuals.

Decrease in Migrant Arrivals

  • Data provided by Tunisia’s Interior Ministry to “Agenzia Nova” revealed a significant decrease of 67.9 percent in migrant arrivals, from 25,134 people between January 1 and May 6, 2023, to 8,064 people during the same period in 2023.

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