Samir Tartag

Samir Tartag, born in Algeria on April 10, 1972, immigrated with a regular residence permit and worked seasonal jobs. He was arrested in Tavernelle, Capaccio (Salerno), as he was under investigation and sentenced to six years in prison for conspiracy to commit international terrorism, in violation of Article 270 bis of the Penal Code: 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 the 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. Tartag was also investigated, but not convicted of violating Article 416 of the Penal Code regarding conspiracy to forge identity documents and residence permits, with the aggravating factor of terrorism.
Tartag was a member of the “Salerno Group,” an autonomous cell linked to the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat, founded in Algeria in September 1998 after a split from the Armed Islamic Group (GIA), led by Emir Hassan Hattab. This group used support networks in Europe to raise funds and recruit militants, maintaining a disciplined focus on military and state targets, though civilians were subject to extortion and roadblocks. European investigations revealed SGPC’s support from Bin Laden-affiliated groups, using “sleeper cells” for Western missions. The SGPC, created with Osama Bin Laden’s cooperation, had established clandestine cells in Europe since 1998, with supporters in Belgium, Spain, Italy, France, and London. Arrests in Frankfurt, London, and Milan confirmed its links to Al Qaeda. The SGPC was listed as a terrorist group by the EU and the UN, becoming al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in January 2007 after Hattab’s ouster in 2003.
As a member of the Salerno cell, Tartag played a key role in promoting the association’s activities due to his close relationship with the leader Bouhrama Yamine. His participation emerged in numerous intercepted conversations during the “Full Moon” investigation, identifying him as a central figure in the autonomous cell located in Via Tavernelle, Capaccio, monitored by the Anti-Crime Section of the ROS in Salerno since August 24, 2004. The investigations confirmed the connection between Bouhrama Yamine and Achour Rabah, another member of the network, who resided in the same building. The interceptions revealed plans to create a cooperative as cover and the use of the property as a logistical refuge, away from areas under close surveillance by law enforcement. The Capaccio cell represented a safe place to avoid police interest and regularize their presence in the territory. On October 8, 2004, Tartag was identified during a check inside the building, trying to flee to the roof to avoid capture, despite having a regular residence permit. Environmental interceptions showed conversations about the moral and religious justification for the death of Muslims unintentionally involved in terrorist attacks and the approval of attacks carried out in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq. Tartag and other members of the Salerno group were engaged in proselytism and indoctrination activities, recruiting new followers through extremist propaganda material.
The intercepted conversations during the “Full Moon” investigation confirmed the proselytism and indoctrination activity on Jihad and al-Qaeda carried out by Bouhrama Yamine. The interceptions also revealed discussions about counter-terrorism operations, episodes personally experienced by Achour, and aspirations to join terrorist groups fighting in the Middle East war zones. The interceptions following the terrorist attacks in England on July 7, 2005, showed the members’ approval and solidarity with the anti-American ideology and the desire to emulate such terrorist acts in Italy. The searches on July 28, 2005, found various false documents and propaganda material in their possession. Furthermore, Tartag was involved in procuring false documents to regularize the presence of fellow believers on national territory. The interceptions on August 30, 2004, revealed his collaboration with Bouhrama to obtain false documents in Naples. In summary, Samir Tartag emerged as a key figure in the terrorist organization, with a concrete and supportive role in the organization, involved in subversive activities and promoting jihadist ideology.