Boualem Kheznadj

Boualem Kheznadj was born in Algeria on April 25, 1971. He was implicated under Article 270 bis of the Italian Penal Code for his involvement in a network supporting the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), which is linked to the international terrorist organization al-Qaeda. The objective of this network was to carry out acts of violence against the Algerian state and engage in international terrorism.
From October 2001 to June 2005, Boualem was involved in an Islamic extremist organization operating primarily in Naples, Aversa, Milan, and Vicenza. This group was formed in the wake of the disintegration of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) and aimed at recruitment, procuring false documents, and raising funds for terrorist activities. Investigations revealed a well-structured network that was primarily operational in Algeria, where it conducted a violent opposition against state institutions, employing terrorist actions to instill panic among the populace. The organization displayed a complex framework, partially represented by various factions such as FIS, GIA, and GSPC, and it included operations in countries outside Algeria, including Italy, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. These cells were tasked with various roles, such as consolidating support among Algerian expatriates, securing financing for the organization, recruiting personnel for operations in Algeria, and establishing safe houses for those involved in combat or facing judicial actions in their home countries. While these cells functioned as independent entities, they were part of a unified transnational structure, all driven by a common objective of waging a holy war against apostates and non-believers.
The GIA-GSPC cell likely formed in Naples, where it maintained its operational center. Funds collected from various Italian cities were transferred to Algeria to support jihadist fighters through an organized transport system along the Naples-Marseille route. Essential identity documents were sourced in Naples and subsequently used by forgers to create false identification, including for international distribution. Additionally, the cell engaged in procuring propaganda materials to incite and prepare for Islamic jihad among Muslim Arabs residing in Italy. Intercepted conversations revealed discussions about a “national reconciliation” project, which served as a form of amnesty for militants considered illegal by Algerian authorities. Within the organization, some factions were open to promoting negotiations with authorities, while a more hardline faction, particularly based in Milan, consistently rejected any notion of compromise, opting instead for the violent promotion of radical Islamic principles.
Boualem was charged under Articles 476, 477, and 468 of the Penal Code, for collaborating with others, including Khellili Fatah and Yahiaou Abdelmadjid (whose positions have been stricken), to counterfeit numerous identity documents, such as passports, driver’s licenses, and residence permits, affixing false seals from public authorities responsible for issuing these documents. Additionally, he faced charges for acquiring or receiving forms for identity cards and passports or genuine documents of criminal origin, intending to counterfeit them for personal profit and that of others. The crimes were committed in Naples, Caserta, Vicenza, and Milan from November 11, 2001, until September 30, 2003, and are ongoing.
In 2011, the Public Prosecutor sought a six-year prison sentence for Boualem, but he was acquitted by the Court of Assizes in Naples of the charges against him under Article 270 bis due to a lack of evidence. He was also acquitted of the charge under Article 476, 477, and 468 of the Penal Code, as the court found that the facts did not exist.