Scandal Rocks Algeria and France: Tebboune Linked to Kidnapping Probe of Dissident on French Soil
A French investigation has revealed Algerian intelligence's possible involvement in the 2024 kidnapping of dissident Amir Boukhors, sparking a diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria. Diplomatic expulsions have escalated tensions, with allegations against President Tebboune lacking direct evidence. The situation threatens long-term relations amid existing geopolitical disputes.
hassan benyoub 
Paris, France – A French investigation has uncovered shocking evidence of Algerian intelligence involvement in the April 2024 kidnapping of dissident Amir Boukhors, known as “Amir DZ,” on French soil, igniting a major diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria as of April 21, 2025. Allegations have surfaced implicating Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, though direct evidence of his involvement remains unconfirmed.
Details of the Investigation
Amir Boukhors, a vocal critic of Tebboune with over 1 million TikTok followers, was abducted outside his home in Val-de-Marne, south of Paris, in April 2024. According to Le Journal du Dimanche, a detained Algerian intelligence officer from the DGSE confessed to the involvement of senior Algerian officials in the operation. Boukhors, an asylee in France since 2023, described being bound, drugged, and held for over 24 hours before his release at 3:00 AM, stating, “I fell into a trap.” While claims of an assassination attempt have circulated, the investigation has confirmed only a kidnapping so far.
Diplomatic Fallout Intensifies
The revelations prompted swift retaliation, with France expelling 12 Algerian diplomats and recalling its ambassador from Algiers, as reported by The Guardian. In response, Algeria expelled 12 French embassy staff, escalating tensions already strained by France’s support for Morocco in the Western Sahara dispute. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot warned of further action if expulsions continued, urging Algeria to reverse its measures, according to Euronews.
Allegations Against Tebboune and Public Outrage
While the Algerian officer’s confessions point to high-level involvement, no concrete evidence has directly linked President Tebboune to ordering the operation, despite social media claims. The scandal has sparked outrage on platforms like X, with users like @user123 questioning, “Can Algeria keep denying its involvement?” The controversy, amplified by Intelligence Online, revealed that the expelled Algerian diplomats were all operatives of the DGDSE, Algeria’s foreign intelligence agency, further fueling public and diplomatic backlash.
Broader Context and Implications
The incident underscores longstanding tensions between France and Algeria, exacerbated by historical grievances and recent geopolitical disagreements. Algeria has denied its officials’ involvement, but the confessions and arrests—including a diplomat working for Algerian intelligence—have cast a shadow over its credibility. The crisis threatens to derail bilateral relations, with potential long-term impacts on cooperation in areas like trade and security, as noted in Al Jazeera.
Looking Ahead
As the French judiciary continues its probe, the scandal raises serious questions about Algeria’s alleged covert operations on sovereign foreign soil. The outcome could lead to stricter regulations on diplomatic activities in France and further strain Franco-Algerian ties. For now, both nations stand at a critical juncture, with the international community watching closely for the next developments.
Stay updated on the Franco-Algerian diplomatic crisis with our ongoing coverage.
