Known as “Madame Maya”, this businesswoman posed as the hidden daughter of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. A court in Algiers sentenced her to 12 years in prison, a fine and seizure of her property for money laundering, influence on peddling, waste of public funds and illegal transfer of foreign currency abroad.
“Madame Maya”, whose real name is Zoulikha Nachinache, has been a very influential woman in Algeria for many years. An influence due to a rumor that she is the daughter of Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
During her trial, the defendant rather evokes a “fusion” friendship between his father, now deceased, and the former head of state, and admits that he has obtained benefits for his investment projects through him.
The local media attributes to him a very large fortune. In July 2019, three months later Abdelaziz Bouteflikas’ resignation, chased by the street, a search is made at the home of Madame Maya in a state residence in the exclusive suburb of Algiers. Then it is seized the equivalent of 800,000 euros in dinars as well as 270,000 euros, 30,000 dollars and 17 kilos of gold jewelry.
His convictions expand the long list of personalities jailed for corruption since the former president resigned a year and a half ago. In addition to his two daughters, three personalities have been convicted in the same trial: two former ministers and the former and powerful chief of police.
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