Achour Rabah

Achour Rabah, born in Meftah, Algeria, on October 12, 1975, immigrated with a regular residence permit and worked seasonal jobs, was arrested in Curinga, Catanzaro, and sentenced to six years in prison for violating Article 270 bis of the Penal Code for associating to commit international terrorism in Italy and abroad: particularly for the preparation and execution of terrorist actions to be carried out against governments, military forces, institutions, international organizations, citizens, and other civilian targets, wherever located, associated with Western and non-Western states deemed “infidels” and enemies; all within the framework of a “Jihad” project, understood, according to the interpretation of the Muslim religion by the association, as a violent strategy for the affirmation of the “pure principles” of that religion; the facilitation of illegal immigration into Italy and other states by militants; the procurement of false identity documents and residence permits for members of the organization; the collection of funds necessary to achieve the organization’s goals; proselytism carried out through video and audio cassettes, propaganda documents, and sermons inciting violent actions and personal sacrifice in suicide actions intended to strike the “infidel” enemy; the availability of explosives or otherwise toxic substances to be used for the preparation of explosive devices or to carry out acts of bioterrorism; the provision, in any case, of all the means necessary for the implementation of the association’s criminal program and for the support of the “brothers” operating according to the described program. Furthermore, for violating Article 648 of the Penal Code, in purchasing or receiving forms for identity cards, passports, or genuine documents from illicit sources to counterfeit them for profit, with the aggravating factor of terrorism; Article 12 of Legislative Decree 286/1998, in facilitating the illegal entry of people into Italy or other states, with the aggravating factor of the participation of more than three people and terrorism; Article 482 of the Penal Code in counterfeiting identity documents with fake seals of public authorities, with the aggravating factor of terrorism.
These crimes were committed in various locations, including Naples, Salerno, Brescia, and Vicenza, between October 15, 2003, and December 2005. Achour was also investigated, but not convicted of violating Article 416 of the Penal Code by forming an organization to procure and forge identity documents and residence permits, facilitate illegal immigration, with the aggravating factor of terrorism.
Achour was a member of the “Salerno Group,” an autonomous cell linked to the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat founded in Algeria in 1998. The SGPC is known for its discipline and primarily targeting military and state entities, although civilians have also been threatened with extortion and roadblocks. European investigations revealed the support of the SGPC by Bin Laden-affiliated groups, using “sleepers” for missions in the West. Since 1998, with Osama Bin Laden’s cooperation, the SGPC created clandestine cells in Europe, with supporters in Belgium, Spain, Italy, France, and London. Arrests in Frankfurt, London, and Milan confirmed the group’s links to al-Qaeda. In 2007, the SGPC became al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
As a participant in the Salerno cell, Achour played a key role in promoting the association’s activities and objectives, in close relationship with the leader Bouhrama Yamine. His name emerged from numerous intercepted conversations with Bouhrama Yamine during the “Full Moon” investigation. Achour was identified as a key figure in the autonomous cell located in Via Tavernelle in Capaccio, monitored by the Anti-Crime Section of the ROS in Salerno since August 24, 2004. The investigations unequivocally established the connection between Bouhrama Yamine and another arrested member of the network, Tartag Samir, who lived together in the same building.
The cohesion of the “Salerno Group” also emerged from a 2003 conversation between Bouhrama Yamine and Abdellaziz from Biella, who was seeking refuge in France or England, during which they discussed creating a cover cooperative, immediately thinking of Achour, who resided in Capaccio with the other arrestees. Observations and surveillance by the ROS in Salerno revealed that Bouhrama Yamine’s presence in Via Tavernelle had attracted other Maghreb-origin individuals, including Algerian citizens residing in Via Linora in Capaccio (SA), where there was another building used for logistical purposes.
Achour Rabah also showed intense proselytism and indoctrination activity to recruit new followers, using jihad-inspired audio-visual material. Interceptions during the “Full Moon” investigation confirmed proselytism and indoctrination activities on jihad and al-Qaeda by Bouhrama Yamine within the “Salerno Group.”
During intercepted conversations, Achour Rabah discussed international counter-terrorism events and confessed to forging the passport of an individual wanted by authorities. He also expressed the desire to join terrorist groups fighting jihad in Middle Eastern war zones. After the terrorist attacks in England on July 7, 2005, Achour and other defendants expressed approval and solidarity with the anti-American ideology and modus operandi of attacks against coalition countries in Iraq, hoping that such terrorist acts would also hit Italy.
Achour Rabah and Tartag Samir were found in possession of various documents belonging to third parties during searches on July 28, 2005. Subsequent interceptions revealed conversations about explosives and chemicals, confirming suspicions of illicit activities. Listening to conversations intercepted in Achour Rabah’s car confirmed his involvement in logistical support for individuals heading to war zones in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Chechnya. In a conversation with Rachid, Achour reiterated that he had forged documents for a Pakistani group, expressing the desire to work with terrorists. Achour Rabah’s participation in the terrorist network was confirmed by numerous interceptions, leaving no doubt about his complete sharing of the ideologies and activities of violent jihad, materializing in acts of support for the al-Qaeda terrorist network.