El Heit Alì

El Heit Alì, also known as Ali Roma Kamel Mohamed, was born on March 20, 1970, in Rouiba, Algeria. He was convicted in absentia for his involvement in an international terrorist organization with ties to Algerian Islamist movements. His activities was linked to the broader network of Algerian fundamentalists who seek to destabilize the Algerian government through violent means.
Alì was charged under Article 270 bis of the Italian Penal Code, which addresses the creation and organization of associations with the goal of international terrorism. The terrorist organization he helped to form and manage operated within the fundamentalist Islamic sphere in Algeria and was responsible for supporting, financing, and facilitating acts of violence against the Algerian government and people.
Key accusations against him include: Alì and his associates feigned support for the Algerian government’s “National Reconciliation” initiative, while continuing to provide material and financial support to militants involved in terrorist acts. Alì’s network financed Algerian militants responsible for attacks such as the January 3, 2005, Lounici bombing, and the March 27, 2005, attack in Chlef. He offered shelter to fellow militants in Italy, facilitated the travel of fighters to Algeria, and played a crucial role in executing tasks for Djamel Lounici, a known terrorist figure.
El Heit Alì was an active member of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) and had been residing in Italy since 1992, where he worked alongside his exiled brothers and other militants. His involvement in terrorism extended to the organization of an Algerian Islamist cell operating between Naples, Aversa, Milan, and Vicenza. This cell, active from October 2001 to June 2005, was focused on: recruitment of militants for jihad in Algeria, forgery of documents to facilitate the travel and evasion of authorities, fundraising and financial transfers to support jihadist fighters in Algeria.
Alì’s cell was part of a larger, transnational network with branches in several countries, including Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. This network supported the Algerian insurgency by recruiting from the Algerian diaspora, collecting funds, and providing a safe haven for militants fleeing legal repercussions in their home country.
The Naples-based cell served as the operational hub for financial and logistical support. Money raised across Italy was transferred to Algeria through a system of organized transportation, with the route between Naples and Marseille being central to this effort. The funds were used to sustain jihadist operations and to procure false identity documents. These forged documents were used by militants to travel undetected, both within Europe and abroad.
Alì’s cell was also responsible for creating and distributing jihadist propaganda, aimed at radicalizing Muslims in Italy. Intercepted communications revealed internal divisions within the network regarding potential negotiations with Algerian authorities. While some members advocated for reconciliation, Alì and the more hardline faction based in Milan rejected any form of compromise, insisting on the violent pursuit of radical Islamist objectives.
El Heit Alì had been previously convicted of forging identity documents for other members of the organization. His actions, together with his leadership role within the terrorist network, led to him being charged as a principal organiser and facilitator of the group. In 2011, the public prosecutor sought an 8-year prison sentence, citing the severity of his crimes and his continued involvement in terrorism. Ultimately, the Naples Court of Assizes sentenced him to 5 years in prison. Following his conviction, an expulsion order was issued, barring him from re-entering Italy.