Tunisia frees two businessmen accused of corruption on $25 million bail

The Tunisian Financial Judicial Pole has ordered the temporary release of two businessmen under investigation for alleged corruption, in exchange for financial guarantees totalling around 75 million Tunisian dinars (approximately 25 million US dollars).

According to the Tunis Africa Press Agency (TAP), businessman Ahmed Abdelkafi, a well-known figure in the financial sector, was released after paying bail of 25 million dinars (around 8.3 million US dollars). Abdelkefi had been detained since last September for questioning along with other officials in a case linked to the Deposits and Consignments Fund.

This is the second decision issued by the Financial Judicial Pole on Wednesday, following an earlier ruling to release Abdelaziz Makhloufi, former president of CS Sfaxien football team and an investor in the olive oil industry.

Makhloufi had been held since November 2024 over alleged financial corruption involving the Henchir Chaal Agricultural Complex, an olive grove owned by the state in the Sfax region. He was released on bail of 50 million dinars (about 16.6 million US dollars).

Tunisian authorities are investigating dozens of businessmen over suspected financial corruption, including Ridha Charfeddine, former president of Etoile du Sahel football club, pharmaceutical investor, and former member of parliament.